The Administrative Committee for Pistachios (ACP) which administers Federal Marketing Order (FMO) 983 for pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico is seeking nominations to fill current committee positions which expire June 30, 2017.

The available positions will include five producer members, including two each in Districts 1 and 2, plus one in Dist. 4; plus one handler member; and each member’s alternate.

According to ACP, the terms for new committee members are for two years - July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019. ACP has nine producer members, two handler members, one public member, plus each member’s alternate.

Through the FMO, the pistachio industry implements programs designed to improve producer returns. The ACP committee meets periodically to review FMO issues and make recommendations to USDA regarding the order.

Those interested in furthering their involvement in the pistachio industry are encouraged to seek nomination to the committee.

To qualify for a member- or alternate-member position, candidates 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.

ACP says eligible men, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to seek nomination to the committee.

Nomination forms will be mailed to handlers and producers on Feb. 24. Nominations must be returned by March 10.

Pistachio growers and handlers can vote for candidates from March 31 through April 21, 2017.

Additional information about the ACP and the FMO, plus the list of current committee members, are available online.