Arkansas recognized as a primary peanut-producing state

Arkansas produced an average of 10,000 tons of peanuts within the past three years and is now being recognized by The National Peanut Board as a primary peanut-producing state. According to the Associated Press, the board announced Monday that Arkansas would be granted membership to its ranks.

Arkansas is the 11th state to gain membership, alongside Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

According to an inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state has seen an uptick in peanut production since 2010.

In 2010, Arkansas produced 1,357 tons of peanuts; 6,092 tons in 2011; 38,866 tons in 2012; and 22,947 tons in 2013.

The Associated Press reports about 6,000 acres in Arkansas were used for peanut farming in 2013.

Read more from the Associated Press.