The Peanut Board is continued within the Department. The Peanut Board shall consist of eight members representing as nearly as possible each peanut-producing section of the Commonwealth. Such members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, and each of whom shall be a resident of the Commonwealth and engaged in producing peanuts in the Commonwealth. The Governor shall be guided in his appointments by the recommendations of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association or other organizations representing peanut growers in peanut-producing counties. If the Virginia Peanut Growers Association or other organizations representing peanut growers fail to provide nominations, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.