FSA Office

BY CITIZEN PRESS SERVICES

The White County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office is unique in the federal government scheme of things in that it is directed by a committee of three locally elected farmers and/or landowners.

The eventual members of the committee are nominated and voted on by farmers and landowners.

The committee employs a local staff and oversees the operation of the local FSA office.

In order to vote or hold office on the FSA committee, a person must be either a current farmer or farm landowner. Many spouses are not eligible to vote in FSA elections because they are not on record as landowners according to a spokesperson. "In most cases both spouses own the land, however, because the deeds have not been brought into the FSA office, only one spouse may be listed on FSA records. FSA only mails ballots to eligible voters of record.

The spokesperson added that FSA is very interested in all eligible voters having the opportunity to vote and hold office. Farm operators and owners are encouraged to review FSA ownership records and provide copies of deeds where the records are not current. Accurate ownership information will insure voter eligibility, as well as protect the landowner's right to farm program benefits.

The office provides assistance to almost every farmer in the county through crop support payments, loans, conservation cost sharing and similar program. For more information about the office and the services it provides, interested persons may call 268-4152.