To: KCFA Members
From: KCFA Board of Directors
Re: USDA/Farm Service Agency Advisory Committee Election
At the KCFA Board meeting on November 17, Lee Sugai (Kona coffee farmer and KCFA member) requested our support for his candidacy for the USDA’s Hawaii County Farm Service Agency’s advisory committee. This committee provides producer input on USDA money and resources for Hawaii County. Lee is seeking election to a 3-year term. He believes that West Hawaii farmers have been under-represented on the advisory committee. Lee pledges to work at bringing greater awareness to West Hawaii farmers about support programs and benefits available through the USDA and its Farm Service Agency.
The KCFA Board of Directors responded by adopting a motion to endorse Lee Sugai’s candidacy and to encourage KCFA members to consider casting their ballot for him.
FSA advises that to be eligible to vote in the election a farmer must be located in West Hawaii and is now participating in, or at some time in the past has participated in, a Farm Service Agency sponsored program.
Ballots for the election were mailed to voters on the Farm Service Agency’s eligible voter list during the week of November 9. Ballots submitted by mail must be postmarked by December 7. If you have received a ballot, PLEASE VOTE.
If you believe you are eligible but did not receive a ballot, call the Farm Service Agency office in Hilo at 808-933-8381 and ask for Gail.