To: All underrepresented (minority) individuals, groups, organizations
From: Cheryl Rierson, County Executive Director
Surry FSA Office
Date: February 23, 2023
Subject: County Committee (COC) Advisor
The Surry County Farm Service Agency Committee (COC) is required by regulations to ensure that the interest of underrepresented producers is fairly represented. In an effort to achieve fair representation for all producers, the COC is soliciting candidates for COC advisor from each underrepresented group in the county. All underrepresented groups wishing to submit a name for consideration should do so by February 28, 2023. The COC will in tum recommend a nominee to the North Carolina State FSA Committee (STC) who will appoint a COC Advisor for one-year, effective March I, 2023. An advisor may serve for nine consecutive terms.
Nominees recommended to the STC to serve as COC advisor shall be: actively participating in farming in the county, and willing to serve as an advisor, if appointed.
COC advisors are responsible for:
• Attending each COC meeting, including executive sessions;
• Participating in all deliberations, although they do not have voting rights;
• Increasing awareness of and participation in FSA activities including elections, by eligible voters to ensure that underrepresented group problems and viewpoints are understood and considered in FSA actions;
• Helping to develop interest and incentives in underrepresented group members for considering FSA work as a career;
• Actively soliciting candidates from underrepresented groups for nomination during the election process;
• Performing special duties at COC's request.
If you or your group is interested in serving or submitting a nominee to the Surry County FSA Committee, please visit the Surry FSA Office or call (336) 386-8751, Extension 2.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
