It will give producers the chance to better control their destiny. We have seen demand increase accordingly. The Peanut Institute has sponsored research that has produced positive results concerning the health benefits of eating peanuts and peanut products. Peanuts were found to contain Resveratrol, a naturally occurring plant compound that exist to protect plants from disease. Research indicates that Resveratrol may help to protect humans from disease as well.
Many nutritionist are including peanuts in conjunction with a low fat diet.
We are seeing a shift in the attitudes of consumers toward eating peanuts. Manufacturers are developing new products and promoting them in addition to established products. The National Promotion Plan gives producers the opportunity to build on the successes of current promotion activities of Virginia-Carolina Peanut Promotions, The Peanut Institute and Manufacturer programs. I hope that all producers will carefully consider the provisions of the plan and vote. It will be the producers program, therefore I hope that all will participate in the decision.