Release No.: 089-15

Contact:

Hakim Fobia (202) 690-0488

hakim.fobia@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2015 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for peanut producers and industry representatives to serve on the Peanut Standards Board.

The board consists of 18 members with representation equally divided between peanut producers and industry representatives. Representation is divided among three regions: the Southeast (Alabama, Georgia and Florida); the Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico) and Virginia/North Carolina. Each region has three producer seats and three industry representative seats with staggered three-year terms.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will appoint one producer and one industry representative from each region to succeed members whose terms expire on June 30, 2015. The six new members will serve terms ending on June 30, 2018.

The 2002 Farm Bill established the Peanut Standards Board to consult with USDA regarding quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. The board plays a key role in representing the U.S. peanut industry on issues affecting quality and marketability.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the industry it represents. All eligible women, minorities and persons with disabilities are invited to seek nomination for a seat on the Peanut Standards Board by the Aug. 24, 2015, deadline.

For nominating forms and additional information, visit: http://www.ams.usda.gov/PeanutStandardsBoard, or contact Jennie M. Varela, Marketing Specialist, or Christian D. Nissen, Regional Director, Southeast Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (863) 324-3375, Fax: (863) 291-8614, or E-mail: Jennie.Varela@ams.usda.gov or Christian.Nissen@ams.usda.gov.

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