St. Landry Parish U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency County Executive Director Courtney Francois announced that County Committee elections are over and the ballots have been counted.
Carlos Polotzola of Melville was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) 1 and Lee Hampton of Opelousas will serve as the first alternate.
“County Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA,” said Francois. “They help deliver programs at the county level and work to serve the needs of local producers. All recently elected County Committee members will take office in January 2018, and will be joining the existing committee.” Every FSA office is required to have a County Committee, and they are made up of local farmers who are elected by local farmers.
County Committee members impact producers through their decision making and help shape the culture of a local FSA office. They also ensure the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs.
in their counties and are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture. Members conduct hearings and reviews as requested by the State Committee, ensure socially disadvantaged (SDA) farmers and ranchers are fairly represented, make recommendations to the State Committee on existing programs, monitor changes in farm programs and inform farmers of the purpose and provisions of FSA programs. They also assist with outreach and inform underserved producers such as beginning farmers and ranchers about FSA opportunities.
For more information, visit the FSA website at fsa.usda.gov/elections or contact the St. Landry Parish FSA office at 337/948-8288 Ext. 2.