Washington/Press Release -- Peanut producers voted to continue the Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Program. The vote was taken in a referendum conducted by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) from April 7-18, 2014.

In the referendum, 92% of those who voted favored continuation of the program. Any current peanut producer who paid assessments during the representative period January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, was eligible to vote.

The National Peanut Board will continue to administer the Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Order under the supervision of AMS. The order, which became effective on July 30, 1999, authorizes the board to conduct a coordinated program of promotion, research and industry information to maintain and expand the market for peanuts. The program is funded by an assessment of one percent of the total value of all farmers stock peanuts sold.

The board is composed of 12 producer members and their alternates who are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by the programs. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) monitors the operations of the board.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorized by Congress and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 22 research and promotion boards. They empower agricultural industries by establishing a framework for them to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.