The Administrative Committee for Pistachios (ACP) which administers federal marketing order number 983 for the nuts grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico is conducting elections to seat new members for terms to expire June 30, 2017. 

Nominations are sought for open member slots including five producer members (two in District 1, two in District 2, and one in District 4) plus one handler member, plus alternate members for each open position. 

The order in part is designed to implement pistachio industry programs designed to improve producer returns. The committee meets periodically to review marketing order issues and make recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Overall, the committee has nine producer members, two handler members, one public member, and each member’s alternate. 

To qualify for a member or alternate member position, a candidate must produce or handle pistachios, have a proprietary interest in the production or handling of pistachios, or be an employee of a person who produces or handles pistachios.

The deadline to submit nominations is March 10, 2015.  Afterwards, nominees will be contacted to provide more information for the required paperwork.

Pistachio producers and handlers can vote for candidates in the April 1-18 election.

For more information, contact ACP Manager Bob Klein at (559) 255-6480 or [email protected].