Release No. 084-15

Contact:

Hakim Fobia (202) 720-8998

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2015 -- The Peanut Standards Board will meet in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. The board will review USDA laboratory approval requirements for aflatoxin testing and the current quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts and determine whether to make a recommendation to the Secretary of Agriculture.

The meeting will be held at the Washington Marriott Georgetown, 1221 22nd St., NW, Wash., D.C. from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The board consists of 18 members representing peanut producers and other industry participants from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia.

The 2002 Farm Bill established the board to advise the Secretary concerning quality and handling regulations for domestically produced and imported peanuts that implement the U.S. Peanut Standards. The board also plays a key role in representing the U.S. peanut industry on related issues affecting quality and marketability.

For additional information regarding the board and guidance on nominating members, visit: http://www.ams.usda.gov/PeanutStandardsBoard or contact Jennie M. Varela, Senior 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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