From the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and Michael Wall, Georgia Organics Director of Programs:
Small-Scale and Sustainable Farmers, Here’s a Way to Serve Your Community
Eight Georgia counties – Dodge, Early, Henry, Jackson, Lamar, Lowndes, Miller, and Randolph – are seeking black or female representation on the USDA’s Farm Service Agency committees.
This is an great opportunity for organic and sustainable growers to stand up and participate in an important process in Georgia’s agriculture community.
Farmers and ranchers who are elected to serve on FSA county committees apply their judgment and knowledge to help with the decisions necessary to administer FSA programs in their counties, ensuring the needs of local producers are met. FSA county committees operate within official federal regulations so that local input is provided on federal programs such as:
· Income safety-net loans and payments, including setting county average yields for commodities
· Conservation programs
· Incentive, indemnity and disaster payments for some commodities
· Emergency programs
· Payment eligibility
To nominate yourself or someone you know, fill out the last page of this document (Exhibit 4). Then, contact your FSA County Director to finalize your paperwork. You can find your county FSA office here.