A national referendum was held earlier this year and was passed by producers from throughout the U.S. by a two-thirds vote, which will allow a ten member board to collect a 1 percent assessment on all peanuts sold to first handlers. The board will use the assessment to conduct a generic program of promotion, research, consumer information, and industry information to maintain and expand markets for peanuts. As one of nine major peanut producing states, New Mexico will hold one seat on the board. Other major peanut producing states which will have a representative on the board include Georgia, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. A peanut producer representing minor producing states including Arizona, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, will serve on the board to complete the ten member board.
Attendance is required at the meeting in order to cast a vote.
Eligibility of peanut producers to vote in the nomination meeting, and serve on the National Peanut Board, will be determined by USDA personnel present at the meeting.