Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has announced that one member and two alternate members have been appointed to the National Peanut Board.

"I am pleased that these individuals have agreed to serve on this important board," Johanns said. "The National Peanut Board will be well served by their expertise."

Newly appointed to the board is Gilbert O. Harris of Prague, Okla., alternate member; Charles T. Edens of Sumter, S.C., member; and Edward M. Rast Jr., Cameron, S.C., alternate member. Their terms began on Jan. 1 of this year and will end on Dec. 31, 2007.

The 10-member board is composed of eligible peanut producers. The nominees were appointed from nominations submitted by certified peanut producer organizations.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the board. More information about research and promotion programs is at http://www.ams.usda.gov.fv.rpb.html.