The National Peanut Board (NPB) begins taking applications today for the eighth 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 www.nationalpeanutboard.org. 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 May 22, 2009. For more information, send a request to [email protected].

“Production research is so important to peanut farmers. I’m glad that the National Peanut Board offers this award to spur young scientists to help the future of peanut farming,” said NPB research committee chairman and Georgia board member Wes Shannon.

This year’s winner will be presented with a check for $1,000 and a plaque at the 2009 American Peanut Research and Education Society’s (APRES) Annual Conference in Raleigh, NC, July 14-17.

George Washington Carver’s Peanut Legacy

Renowned agricultural scientist, Dr. George Washington Carver created an industry for Southern farmers through his research during the 1890s. Before his death in 1943, Carver developed more than 300 uses for peanuts, including beverages, cosmetics, dyes, paints and foods, making the peanut one of the top six leading agricultural crops in the United States and the South.