The Mississippi Peanut Growers Association is seeking nominations of eligible peanut producers who are interested in serving on the National Peanut Board.

Malcolm Broome, association executive director, says the association will hold an election to select two nominees each for member and alternate to the National Peanut Board during a meeting Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. at Bost Building B on the campus of Mississippi State University at Starkville.  

“All eligible peanut producers are encouraged to participate in the nomination process,” he says. “Eligible producers are those who are engaged in the production and sale of peanuts, and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop.

Joe Morgan of Hattiesburg is the current Mississippi National Peanut Board member and Lonnie Fortner of Port Gibson serves as the alternate. The term for the current Mississippi board member and alternate expires Dec. 31, 2017.    

“USDA requires two nominees from each state for each position of member and alternate,” Broome notes. “The National Peanut Board will submit Mississippi’s slate of nominees to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the appointments.”

The National Peanut Board encourages inclusion of persons of any race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. It is USDA’s policy that membership on industry-government boards and committees accurately reflect the diversity of individuals served by the programs.

“All persons who qualify as peanut producers are encouraged to attend the meeting and run for nomination,” Broome says.

The association will be holding its 2017 annual meeting Jan. 25-26 on the MSU campus. Registration and industry exhibits will open at 1 p.m. Wed., Jan. 25, and the meeting will continue the following day. For further information, contact Malcolm Broome at (601) 606-3547 or [email protected]

The National Peanut Board represents all USA peanut farmers and their families. The mission of the board is to provide USA peanut growers with a receptive and growing market for their peanuts, and the information and tools for improved efficiencies. Through research and marketing initiatives, the board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition, and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts.