Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

WASHINGTON, Jan.14, 2009 -- Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced the reappointment of one member, and the appointment of two new members, to serve on the Popcorn Board. Each member will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2009 and ending on Dec. 31, 2011.

Norman Krug of Chapman, Neb., is reappointed to the board. Leigh Ann Preston of Louisville, Ky., and Mark E. Schleisman, Lake City, Iowa, are new appointees.

The board, authorized by the Popcorn Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, conducts promotion, research and consumer information activities to maintain and expand the popcorn market.

The nine-member board is composed of eligible popcorn processors who process and distribute more than 4 million pounds of popcorn annually. The nominees were appointed from nominations submitted by the industry.

The program is funded by assessments paid by persons who process more than 4 million pounds of popcorn annually. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the Popcorn Board.