AGRICULTURE SECRETARY Mike Johanns has announced USDA is extending the deadline to nominate eligible candidates to serve on USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees to Aug. 15. The nomination deadline was scheduled for Aug. 1.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. In addition, eligible candidates can be nominated by community-based and other organizations in the county where the election is being held before the close of the nomination period, especially groups representing socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.

Nominations and elections are open to all eligible candidates and voters without regard to race, color, religion, nation origin, age, sex, marital status or disability. The nomination form (FSA-669A) is available at USDA Service Centers and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections.