Peanut growers approve promotion order

July 20,1999

Peanut producers have approved a promotion, research and consumer information program. It is the first to be implemented under a 1996 law authorizing promotion programs. The referendum was conducted from May 24 through July 2.

USDA says results show that 66.56% of the producers eligible to vote favored implementing the order. Of the 23,080 ballots mailed by USDA, 5,514 were returned by eligible producers. Producers who grew peanuts during Aug. 1, 1997, through July 31, 1998, were eligible to vote. The order becomes effective when published in the Federal Register.

A board of 10 producer members will administer the program under the supervision of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. Board members will be appointed by the Secretary from nominees submitted by the industry. The program will funded by an assessment of 1% of the price paid for all farmers' stock peanuts sold.