TIFTON, Georgia– The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is seeking eligible peanut producers who are interested in serving on the National Peanut Board. The GPC will hold a nominations election to select a member and alternate to the National Peanut Board (NPB) during a meeting on March 19, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at the GPC headquarters, 110 East Fourth Street, Tifton, Ga. All eligible producers are encouraged to participate.

Wes Shannon of Tifton is the current Georgia National Peanut Board member and John Harrell of Whigham serves as the alternate. The term for the current Georgia board member and alternate expires December 31, 2009.

USDA requires two nominees from each state for each position of member and alternate. The National Peanut Board will submit Georgia’s slate of nominees to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the appointments.

The National Peanut Board encourages inclusion of persons of any race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. NPB encourages all persons who qualify as peanut producers to attend the meeting and run for nomination.

It is USDA's policy that membership on industry-government boards and committees accurately reflect the diversity of individuals served by the programs.

The Georgia Peanut Commission has been working for farmers in the areas of peanut promotion, research and education since 1961. For more information on the nomination meeting, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission toll free (Georgia only) at 1-800-346-4993 or via email at info@gapeanuts.com.