Cathy Johnson, National Peanut Board
(678) 424-5750

Peanut producers voted overwhelmingly to continue the National Peanut Board’s (NPB) research, marketing and promotion program in a referendum by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Ninety-three percent voted “yes.”

Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) Executive Director Jacob Davis said he was encouraged by the impressive approval numbers.

“Thanks to farmer contributions, the NPB has worked to improve yields, promote peanut products and educate consumers about the perfectly powerful peanut,” Davis said. “Farmers see value in supporting the NPB, and we’re excited to work with our national-level partners to continue advocating for and supporting peanut farmers.”

Peanut referendums must be conducted every five years per the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996. Growers who paid assessments on peanuts produced from June 1, 2017, through May 31, 2018, were eligible to vote regarding NPB’s Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Program.

In the last five years, NPB has improved the economic condition of U.S. peanut farmers and their families through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research. Highlights include

• Peanut per capita consumption is at an all-time high, growing steadily from 7 pounds in 2014 to 7.5 pounds in 2018.
• Peanuts have the strongest reputation and are the preferred nut of millennials, according to a 2018 NPB brand tracking study.
• Peanut farmers supported the 2015 LEAP Study, a game-changer showing early introduction of peanut products to infants helped reduce peanut allergy by 86%. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and American Academy of Pediatrics issued official guidelines for introducing peanut foods to infants to help prevent peanut allergy.
• NPB accelerated peanut allergy prevention outreach, education and involvement to healthcare professionals and consumers. Since 2001, NPB allocated more than $25 million toward peanut allergy research and education.

Since its inception, NPB invested $34.5 million toward production research, contributing to significant yield increases and efficiencies for peanut producers. This total includes NPB’s leverage of just $871,500 of NPB funds and other industry partners’ funds to obtain over $2 million in USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture-matching funds.

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The National Peanut Board’s mission is to improve the economic condition of USA peanut farmers and their families. Through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research, the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts.