A maximum level of peanut production set by the Secretary of Agriculture every year by December 15, it limits the quantity of peanuts that producers can sell for domestic consumption. The national poundage quota is supposed to be set at a level equal to the quantity of peanuts in tons, that the Secretary estimates will be devoted in each marketing year to domestic edible, seed, and related uses. In the last two marketing years, the Secretary has effectively kept production low with the net result of quota holders making more per tonne at the expense of consumers pay more per tonne of peanuts.