Any non-exempt egg producer within the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia can be considered for nomination.

Egg producers owning 75,000 or fewer laying hens are eligible for exemption. Nominations are due by July 15, 2016. An egg producer must be nominated by a USDA-certified organisation and submit a completed application.

Composed of 18 members and 18 alternates representing six regions, the board administers an egg research and promotion program authorised by the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974.

Terms on the board are staggered so that half of the membership is appointed each year in order to provide continuity in policy. The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from egg producers nominated by organisations representing the egg industry.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by its industry. For the contact information of the certified organisations in your state or region, visit: www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion/eggs.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorised by Congress, and date back to 1966.

Since then, Congress has authorised the establishment of 22 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities.

AMS provides oversight, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, programme efficiency, and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.