GLICKMAN NAMES TWO ALTERNATES TO AMERICAN EGG BOARD
                                           Release No. 0043.00 
                                                               
                                Jessica E. Faust (202) 720-8998
                                         jessica.faust@usda.gov
                                       Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
                                             billy.cox@usda.gov
                                                               


GLICKMAN NAMES TWO ALTERNATES TO AMERICAN EGG BOARD

     WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2000 -- Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced the appointment of two alternate members to the American Egg Board
for the remainder of the 1999-2000 term.

     David L. Lathem of Gainesville, Ga., and Robert L. Bixler of Berne,
Ind., replace two alternate members who were named to the Board in June but
subsequently declined their appointments.  Lathem will represent the South
Atlantic States Region, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.  Bixler will represent the East
North Central States Region, including Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

     The board is composed of 18 members and 18 alternates representing six
regions.  The board administers an egg research and promotion program
authorized by the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974.  The
Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from egg producers nominated by
certified organizations representing the egg industry.

     Funding for the egg research and promotion program is provided by a 10-
cent per 30-dozen case assessment on eggs marketed by producers with flocks of
over 75,000 hens.  USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, an agency of the
marketing and regulatory programs mission area, monitors operations of the
board.

     USDA's programs are open to all individuals without regard to race,
color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs,
sexual orientation, or marital or familial status.  USDA especially urges
women, minorities, and disabled individuals to participate, recognizing their
frequent under-representation on such public boards.  It is USDA's policy that
membership in industry-governed boards and committees accurately reflect the
diversity of individuals served by the programs.

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