WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2008 -- Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today reappointed one alternate member to serve on the National Peanut Board.

Edward E. White of Headland, Ala., will serve a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2009 and ending on Dec. 31, 2011.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight and monitors the operations of the National Peanut Board in accordance with the Commodity Promotion Research and Information Act of 1996 and the Peanut Promotion, Research and Information Order.

Under the order, domestic producers pay an assessment at the rate of 1 percent of the total value of all farmers' stock peanuts sold. The board administers an industry-funded national research and promotion program to maintain and expand markets for peanuts.

More information about the research and promotion programs can be found at http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/rpb.html.