Which agency oversees the Peanut Quality Assurance Program?

The agency that oversees the Peanut Quality Assurance Program is the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) under the USDA. The AMS plays a crucial role in developing and implementing quality standards for various agricultural commodities, including peanuts. Their mission includes facilitating the marketing of agricultural products by establishment of marketing policies and regulations, helping farmers and processors ensure high-quality standards.

The AMS is responsible for programs that involve inspections, audits, and certification processes that help maintain product quality in the marketplace. This oversight is vital for ensuring peanuts meet health and safety regulations, and it supports the integrity of the peanut industry as a whole.

Other agencies listed have different focuses; for instance, the FDA primarily regulates food safety and ensures that food products are safe for consumption. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) collects and publishes statistical data, which does not include direct oversight of quality assurance programs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental protection and regulation, which does not directly involve the quality assurance of agricultural products like peanuts.