USDA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR LOCAL FARM SERVICE AGENCY COUNTY COMMITTEES

Washington potato growers have an opportunity to help shape the delivery of federal agricultural programs by serving on their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee.

The USDA is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 FSA County Committee elections. These locally elected committees play an important role in ensuring federal farm programs are administered effectively and fairly at the county level.

County committee members provide valuable input on the implementation of USDA programs, including disaster assistance, conservation initiatives, commodity programs, price support programs, and other agricultural issues affecting local producers. Committee members also participate in decisions related to county office operations and employment.

Nationwide, more than 7,700 agricultural producers serve on FSA County Committees, helping ensure local voices are represented in federal program delivery. Committee members serve three-year terms, and committees typically consist of three to eleven members.

Producers interested in serving should first determine whether their Local Administrative Area (LAA) is up for election in 2026. LAAs are geographic areas within a county or multi-county jurisdiction established for FSA elections. Information on election areas is available through local FSA offices or online at the USDA FSA website.

To be eligible for nomination, individuals must:

• Participate or cooperate in a USDA program.
• Reside within an LAA that is holding an election this year.

USDA defines a cooperating producer as someone who has provided information about their farming operation to FSA, even if they have not received program benefits.

Eligible producers may nominate themselves, be nominated by another individual, or be nominated by a qualifying organization. USDA encourages all eligible farmers and ranchers to participate in the nomination and election process.

To be considered for the 2026 election, candidates must complete and sign Form FSA-669A. Nomination forms and additional information are available through local USDA Service Centers and at fsa.usda.gov/coc.

Important Deadline: All nomination forms must be postmarked or received by the local USDA Service Center no later than August 3, 2026. Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November 2026.

Potato growers interested in helping guide agricultural programs in their communities are encouraged to contact their local FSA office and consider serving on their county committee.