PeanutAllergyFacts.org offers resources for families, schools and professionals

With the school year in full swing, many districts face challenges in how to best manage peanut and other food allergies in a school setting. While more than 98 percent of children in America can safely enjoy peanuts and peanut-containing foods, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; sometimes managing food allergies, particularly in schools, can be an emotional and contentious issue.

That’s why Florida Peanut Producers Association, which represents all peanut farmers in Florida, is pleased to announce the launch of PeanutAllergyFacts.org, a new website for schools, parents, food service executives and manufacturers. The site offers science-based information about peanut and food allergies and links to resources about effective allergy management in schools and communities.

Ken Barton, executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association says, “Florida peanut farmers are proud to grow an affordable, nutritious food that families count on every day. While most Americans can safely enjoy peanuts, it’s imperative that we must all be conscientious of the way prepare, share and consume food. Peanut farmers across America take food allergies very seriously and we are committed to finding a solution and to educating others about peanut allergy facts.”

The new website emerged from consumer research conducted in 2013 by The Bantam Group. Findings from the online research study, which surveyed 2,000 caregivers of children, revealed significant misconceptions about food allergies and allergy management, such as:

A significant misconception surrounding the prevalence of peanut allergies. Study participants perceived peanut allergies to affect 24 percent of the total U.S. population – or 40 times the rate reported by the National Institutes of Health (which says that 0.6 percent of Americans have a true peanut allergy).
Many people are self-diagnosing food allergies, or turning to those without allergy expertise and appropriate credentials;
Only 52 percent of households with a self-reported peanut allergy keep epinephrine on hand to treat an allergic reaction; and 70 percent of people believe incorrectly that simply being near a peanut can trigger a life-threatening reaction.

To date, peanut farmers across the state and across the country have committed more than $10 million of their income to food allergy research, outreach and education through the National Peanut Board.
For additional resources and information about managing food and peanut allergies in your community, contact Florida Peanut Producers Association at www.flpeanuts.com or visit www.PeanutAllergyFacts.org

The AL/FL Peanut Trade Show will be held Thursday, February 12, 2015 at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds located on Highway 231 South of Dothan, AL.

Sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association and the Florida Peanut Producers Association, the one day event offers farmers the opportunity to view the products and services of more than 75 exhibitors.  The show opens at 8:30 am central time followed by a catered lunch at 12 noon.  The afternoon’s events include a seed and production seminar.

“We invite and encourage all peanut farmers to attend this year’s Peanut Trade Show,” said Ken Barton, executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association.  “It’s a great opportunity for farmers to see the latest, most up-to-date advances in peanut production and harvesting equipment and visit with vendors that provide products and services to peanut farmers.  The afternoon seminars will provide current information that will be helpful as you make plans for the 2015 production year.”

Thousands of dollars in door prizes will be offered.  Cash prizes, gift cards, peanut seed, a shotgun, trip to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference and many more.  Kelley Manufacturing Co. is offering as a Grand Door Prize the use of a new 6 Row Peanut Combine, on the winner’s farm, for the 2015 peanut harvesting season, (valued at $15,000), with the option of purchasing the combine through an authorized KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price. In lieu of the 6 Row Combine the winner can choose the use of another KMC Peanut Harvest Implement with a 10% discount off of the list price for purchase. These discounts are non-transferrable. The winner must be certified as a peanut grower with an FSA farm number, and must be present to win.

For more information please contact the Florida Peanut Producers Association office at 850-526-2590.

The Florida Peanut Producers Association is seeking eligible peanut producers who are interested in serving on the National Peanut Board.  Florida Peanut Producers will hold a nominations election to select  an alternate to the National Peanut Board (NPB) during the Florida Peanut Producers Association Annual Membership Meeting on March 19, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. (cst) at the Jackson County Agricultural Complex on Penn Avenue in Marianna, FL.  All eligible producers are encouraged to participate.

Jeffery Pittman of Bascom, FL is the current Florida National Peanut Board Member and the Alternate position is vacant.  Only nominations for the Alternate position will be accepted.

USDA requires two nominees for the Alternate position. The National Peanut Board will submit Florida’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 Florida Peanut Producers Association is the state certified check-off organization for
peanuts and represents Florida’s peanut producers in the areas of promotion, research and education.

The National Peanut Board represents all USA peanut farmers and their families.  The mission of the Board is to provide USA peanut growers with a receptive  and growing market for their peanuts and the information and tools for improved efficiencies.  Through research and marketing initiatives 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.

For more information please call the Florida Peanut Producers Association office at
(850) 526-2590.