The Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee (COC) is a critical component of the daily operations of FSA. Members help deliver FSA farm programs at the county level.

The intent is to have the COC reflect the diverse makeup of the producers in the Local Administrative Area (LAA) and represent all constituents. This means wherever possible, minorities, women or lower income producers need to be on the committee to speak for these underrepresented groups.

This year’s elections will be held in LAA 2 of Patrick County to elect one farmer to serve a three-year term on the County Committee. LAA 2 covers the eastern part of Patrick county including areas east of Hwy. 8 and part of Road #58 up to the Henry County line and south to the Stokes County, N.C. line. LAA 2 includes the communities of Critz, County Line, Stella, Russell Creek, Moorefield Store, Ayers Orchard and part of Stuart.

There will be a series of public meetings at the Patrick County FSA Office concerning the county committee election process. The dates and topics of the meetings are as follows:

• June 15 at 11 a.m. How to Submit Nominations and Voter Eligibility.
• July 20 at 11 a.m. How to Submit Nominations and Voter Eligibility.
• August 17 at 11 a.m. The County Committee Ballot, Voting Process, and How Elections are Held.
• September 21 at 11:00 a.m. General Role of FSA in the Community and How LAA’s are Determined.

Anyone interested in participating in the county committee election, either by nomination, voting or serving on the committee is encouraged to attend.

If you have any questions concerning the County Committee election process or these meetings, contact the Patrick County FSA Office at 276 694-3121, extension 2 or by visiting the office located at 135 Stonewall Ct.. in Stuart.