SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking eligible farmers and landowners to serve as candidates for the upcoming County Committee elections. The office is accepting nomination forms through Sept. 3. Voting will begin in early November.

The county is divided into voting areas and each year one area nominates and elects a representative to serve a three-year term.

This year’s voting district includes the townships of Anson, Athens, Bingham, Brighton, Brighton Plantation, Caratunk, Concord, Dennistown Plantation, Embden, Highland Plantation, Jackman, Madison, Moose River, Moscow, New Portland, North Anson, North New Portland, Pleasant Ridge, Solon, Starks, The Forks, West Forks and Northern Somerset’s Unorganized Territory.

To hold office, a person must have an interest in a farming operation and be at least 18 years old. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate.

A candidate must sign the nomination form and certify that he or she is willing to serve if elected. The person also must reside in the voting community.

Farmers elected to the committee help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer and make sure FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.

Nomination forms (FSA-669A) can be obtained from the FSA office or online at http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/eforms/mainservlet.

Details on County Committee elections can be found in a fact sheet located at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/html/elec04.htm.