ONEIDA COUNTY — Oneida County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that County Committee elections are over, and the ballots have been counted.

Joseph van Lieshout of Verona was elected to represent local administrative area #3, made up of the townships of Trenton, Deerfield, Utica, Marcy, Floyd, Whitestown, Westmoreland, Vernon and Verona.

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 underserved farmers, ranchers and foresters 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, ranchers and foresters, about FSA opportunities.