The Administrative Committee for Pistachios is conducting elections to seat new members for the term that expires on June 30, 2014.  Four producer members (two in District 1, one in District 2, one in District 3), one handler member, as well as an alternate member for each position need to be filled. 

The Committee is composed of nine producer members, two handler members, one public member and each member’s alternate.  The Committee locally administers Federal Marketing Order 983 (Order) for pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.  The Committee will meet periodically to review Order issues and make recommendations to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the Order.  Through the Order, the pistachio industry will implement programs designed to improve producer returns. 

If you are interested in increasing your involvement in the pistachio industry, we encourage you to consider seeking nomination to the Committee.  To qualify for a member or alternate member position, you 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 Committee and the USDA encourage eligible women, minorities and persons with disabilities to consider membership on the Committee.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, March 9, 2012.  Nominees will then be contacted to provide a qualification and acceptance form.  Pistachio producers and handlers will have the opportunity to vote for the candidates of their choice between April 4 and April 20 of 2012.

If you would like more information on the Order or are interested in serving on the Committee, please contact Bob Klein (Manager), at (559) 255-6480 or [email protected].