The National Peanut Board (NPB) has begun taking applications for the ninth annual Dr. George Washington Carver Award.

The award is open to undergraduate and graduate students and the winner receives a $1,000 prize, with a matching amount awarded to the winner’s college for peanut research.

Representing American peanut producers, NPB rewards a future peanut researcher’s hard work and community spirit with this award commemorating America’s foremost peanut researcher. The standards for judging exemplify the spirit of Dr. Carver — a positive, measurable impact on peanut cultivation or peanut product development and strength of character as reflected by community involvement or service.

The renowned scientist overcame incredible odds to become the “father of the peanut industry.” Carver’s discoveries spurred many uses of the peanut, increasing the legume’s popularity and making peanuts a staple in the American diet.

Application forms are available online at http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/pdfs/GWCAwardApplication410.pdf. Once completed, entries should be mailed to the National Peanut Board Dr. Carver Award, 2839 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, Ga. 30339. The deadline for applications is June 14, 2010.

“Production research is vital to peanut farmers. I think it’s great that the National Peanut Board offers this award to encourage young researchers to advance the future of peanut farming in a variety of areas,” said NPB research committee chairman and Florida board member Michael Davis.

This year’s winner will be presented with a check for $1,000 and a plaque at the 2010 American Peanut Research and Education Society’s (APRES) Annual Conference in Clearwater, Fla., July 13-16.