PB Delivery To Washington D.C. Food Bank
The U.S. Peanut Federation combined advocacy with service during their Spring 2022 Washington D.C. fly-in.
In conjunction with the Georgia Peanut Commission, the USPF partnered with Peanut Proud, the industry’s humanitarian relief organization, to donate 10,080 jars of peanut butter to serve the nation’s capital and surrounding area. Delivery was made possible by Southern AG Carriers.
Members of USPF were joined at the Capital Area Food Bank warehouse by U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop of Georgia. Congressman Bishop is the chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies.
“Peanut butter is nutrition packed, versatile, inexpensive, easy to store, convenient source of protein and heart-healthy fats,” said Congressman Bishop. “It helps reduce insulin resistance and is a good source of fiber. On top of that, it’s good!”
USPF chairman Joe Boddiford said, “The peanut butter we’re donating can be used to make more than 141,000 sandwiches. Peanut butter is one of the most requested food items at food banks due to its long shelf life. We are grateful to partner with Peanut Proud and the Capital Area Food Bank to ensure that those affected by food insecurity can have access to safe, nutritional food and delicious peanut butter.”
Molly McGlinchy, senior director for procurement and direct programs at the Capital Area Food Bank, expressed appreciation to the peanut industry.
“We are so thankful to be able to supply this to the children and families we serve,” she said.
The food bank works to address hunger today and create brighter futures tomorrow for the one-half million neighbors across the region experiencing food insecurity. They also work in partnership with other critical services to address hunger’s root causes.
Georgia Producers Invest In Research
The Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors has approved $795,205 in research project funding for the 2022-23 budget year. Projects include 36 proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
“As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment,” says Donald Chase, GPC research committee chairman. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions and look forward to seeing the results that will benefit farmers in the state and enhance the sustainability of our crop.”
The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management. GPC also manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative, which includes research funding of $1,019,686 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board check-off.
National Peanut Buying Points Elects Officers
Cole McNair of Birdsong Peanuts in Damascus, Georgia, has been elected president of the National Peanut Buying Points Association. Other officers are Byron Brown, vice president of Curry Farm Supply in Shellman, Georgia; Rhonda Dixon, treasurer of Dixon Farm Supply in Alapaha, Georgia; and Monty Rast, Past President of Carolina Peanut, LLC in Cameron, South Carolina. Tyron Spearman and Angela Elder will continue as executive directors based in Tifton, Georgia. The Farm Service Agency peanut market place lists 371 peanut buying points in the United States. Membership in the NPBPA is $1,000 per year; $250 for owned subsidiaries and $400 per year for associate members. For more information, visit their website at www.peanutbuyingpoints.com.
USA Peanut Congress Announced
The American Peanut Council and the American Peanut Shellers Association have announced that the 26th Annual Peanut Congress will be June 13-16, 2022, at Charleston Place in Charleston, South Carolina. A block of rooms are available. To make a reservation, call 800-831-3490 and ask for the USA Peanut Congress room block.
An exciting program is being planned, and sponsorships are available. There will also be a Great Cash Giveaway Raffle. Tickets for the $150 donation are already available. Registration forms can be found at www.peanut-shellers.org.
Alabama Hosts PB&J Day
March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate the perfectly powerful peanut. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) kicked off the month strong. On Wednesday, March 9, 2022, Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation declaring the month of March as Peanut Month for the state of Alabama.
Governor Ivey presented the proclamation to APPA board president Carl Sanders in front of the Alabama Capitol. Sanders was joined by board members, Jerry Byrd, Billy Hixon, Thomas Adams and APPA executive director, Jacob Davis.
In addition, the APPA staff and board members grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and handed out peanuts in front of the Alabama State House for legislators Wednesday, March 9.
This came at a perfect time as House Bill 350 was passed on Thursday, March 10. Introduced by Representative Wes Allen, along with other co-sponsors, the bill designates peanuts as the official state legume. APPA thanks the members of the House of Representatives for supporting this bill. The bill will now move into the Senate for voting.
Peanuts are a $211.4-million industry in Alabama, an important part of the state economy. In Alabama, 33 out of 67 counties produced peanuts in 2021. There are more than 1,000 farm families across the state.
For more information on Alabama peanut production and promotions, visit www.alpeanuts.com.
Producer Meeting In Panama City Beach, Florida
Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 21-23, 2022, at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. This year’s conference offers farmers an opportunity to learn more about legislative issues, peanut promotions and production issues.
The registration fee for peanut growers is $195 and includes all conference events and meals. Register by June 30 for this price. The registration fee increases by $50 on July 1.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Together Towards Tomorrow,” plans to focus on school nutrition, ag labor, carbon credits and more. During the Saturday morning general session, the keynote speaker is U.S. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, minority leader of the House Ag Committee.
Register online at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org. A tentative schedule, sponsorship packet and additional information can be found on the website.
PB Base To Therapeutic Food
Economic forces and war in the Ukraine is setting the world up for a food shortage. Ready-to-use therapeutic foods will become an even more important method of intervention to address global hunger and childhood malnutrition. The U.S. Peanut Federation joined five other organizations to support of this life-saving aid.
Malnutrition claims the lives of more children than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. In a letter to the chairperson and ranking member of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, USPF and partner organizations requested an additional $200 million in funding for procurement of the World Health Organization-compliant RUTF. It is hoped that the funding will help to address global childhood malnutrition while stimulating the domestic agriculture economy.
The United States is already one of the world’s largest and most cost-efficient producers of RUTF and the agricultural inputs needed to produce it. The U.S. Agency for International Development reports roughly $45 million in annual procurement of RUTF, which supports the sourcing of peanuts, soy protein, dairy, vegetable oil and sugar from across the country.
Let’s Go Racing
The Georgia Peanut Commission will return to Front Row Motorsports to support NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender, Todd Gilliland, at two of NASCAR’s premier tracks in the Southeast.
Georgia peanuts will join Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team at the newly repaved Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 20 and again at the Talladega Superspeedway in October. The Atlanta event will mark the 25th anniversary of Georgia peanuts visiting victory lane in the ARCA Menards Series with driver Harris DeVane. The commission is looking once again to make memories with Gilliland.
“We’re proud to support Todd Gilliland this year in his rookie season,” says Joe Boddiford, GPC chairman. “We hope Todd can make more memories for us this season and look forward to his races with us.”
Gilliland will represent Georgia peanuts, their farmers and buyers throughout the season.
