South Carolina Joins SPFF
The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation welcomes the South Carolina Peanut Board. Formed in 1998, SPFF was established to allow Southeastern peanut producers to speak with a unified voice on legislative issues and partner with other state peanut organizations for leadership development and coordinated research funding.
“The South Carolina Peanut Board is excited to join the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation to offer the South Carolina peanut industry so many opportunities,” says Richard Rentz, chairman of the South Carolina Peanut Board. “By joining SPFF, South Carolina is taking a step towards the peanut industry working together as a whole.”
SPFF was initially organized by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, the Florida Peanut Producers Association and the Georgia Peanut Commission. The Mississippi Peanut Growers Association joined SPFF in 2008 and now the South Carolina Peanut Board is the latest organization to join SPFF. The SPFF board consists of 10 members comprised of the chief elected officer and the executive director of each organization.
“We are very pleased to have South Carolina join the federation so we can expand our partnership and collaboration on peanut industry issues and help us to be a stronger advocate for growers,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
The peanut farmers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina produce 73% of the nation’s peanuts. In 2024, farmers in the five states produced an average of 3,560 pounds of peanuts per acre.
The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation coordinates the annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, the Peanut Leadership Academy, congressional member and staff relations, as well as research initiatives. Additionally, SPFF publishes the Southeastern Peanut Farmer magazine, which is distributed to peanut farmers across the Southeast.
Additional information regarding the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation is available online at www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.
Researchers To Meet In Richmond
The 57th Annual Meeting of the American Peanut Research and Education Society will be July 15-17, 2025, at the Omni Richmond Hotel in the heart of historic Richmond, Virginia. This event brings together leading peanut researchers, industry professionals and educators for three days of collaboration, innovation and discovery. The APRES annual meeting offers a unique opportunity to share groundbreaking research, discuss industry challenges, and network with experts from around the world.
This year’s dynamic program includes scientific presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and ample networking events designed to inspire new ideas and foster meaningful connections.
Richmond isn’t just the perfect host city — it’s an experience. Explore a vibrant downtown scene filled with historic landmarks, world‑class museums, farm‑to‑table dining and craft brewing, and nearby outdoor adventure. Whether strolling along the James River or sampling Southern cuisine, your time in RVA will be both productive and unforgettable.
Building on the success of last year’s event in Oklahoma City when more than 15 tons of peanut butter were donated to their regional food bank, this year APRES is proud to partner with Feed More, Central Virginia’s leading hunger‑relief organization. Feed More collects, prepares and distributes food to neighbors in need throughout Richmond and the surrounding region.
Register early for the lowest registration rate available. Early Bird pricing ends May 31. Go to www.apresinc.com for more information.
MANA Contracts Reinstated
After canceling all contracts with a Fitzgerald, Georgia, nonprofit that produces a fortified peanut paste that is shipped around the globe to combat malnutrition, the Trump Administration reversed course and reinstated the contracts.
While initially, the U.S. Agency for International Development notified Mana Nutrition that its contracts were “not aligned with agency priorities,” Mana was later notified that all contracts were reinstated.
Mana Nutrition has nearly $50 million in USAID contracts for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food composed of peanut paste, milk, and a mix of vitamins and minerals. The life-saving paste is then packaged and distributed globally to treat children diagnosed with acute malnutrition.
After the federal contracts were canceled, several congressmen and senators lobbied to restore the contracts.
“MANA is an incredible mission-driven organization, and I am thankful to the administration for reinstating their contracts,” said Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton. “The Trump administration is working to ensure that all U.S. foreign assistance aligns with our national security interests and global mission.
“MANA is committed to ending child malnutrition and is an organization our country should be proud of,” he said.
Investing In Research
The Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors approved $764,189 in research project funding for the 2025-26 budget year. The board approved 40 project proposals submitted by the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Kennesaw State University, North Carolina State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management.
The GPC board of directors approved additional projects focusing on non-food uses of peanuts, which aim to provide a new growth opportunities in the peanut industry. The projects are looking at using peanuts in poultry feed with an economic feasibility and performance evaluation of pasture-raised broiler chickens in peanut-based farming systems. Another project will look at converting peanut oil from a non-drying oil to a drying oil for timber oils and coatings.
Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative that includes research funding of $1.4 million for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers.
Acreage Estimate And Concerns
USDA estimated that growers intend to plant 1.95 million acres in 2025, up 8%, overall, and up 12% in Georgia. A survey of growers by peanut specialists predicts peanut acreage will increase 8.5% or 150,000 acres, but state estimates were different from USDA’s prediction. According to the survey, Georgia would plant 925,000 acres, up 9.5%. Alabama is predicted to increase 7.5% to 200,000 acres, and Florida would increase acreage 10% to 173,000 acres. With good growing and harvest weather, buying points could be overrun at harvest.
Kris Balkcom, Alabama’s peanut specialist, noted some of the concerns expressed by farmers this season including the potential for tomato spotted wilt virus, gypsum availability and the cost of seed. Other concerns center on shortened rotations, high input costs, drought and the potential spider mites, burrower bug and white mold pressure reducing yields and profitability.
Export Strategy And Facts
Peter Viazakis, vice president of International Programs for the American Peanut Council, reported at the American Peanut Shellers spring meeting that export strategy goals the next four years are to maintain 25% exports in Mexico while holding onto an 84% import share. Another goal is to hold import share in Canada, European Union, Japan and China. Long-range goals are to add 20,000 farmer-stock tons to new markets by 2028 and +100,000 tons in 10 years.
Viazakis offered the following market facts:
85% of U.S. peanut exports currently go to mature markets. The need is for new categories or new geographic areas.
Growth in total peanut kernel imports by Mexico has slowed, but peanut butter consumption is just beginning to grow. Peanut butter appears to be driving Europe/UK peanut consumption.
The U.S. is not seen as a consistent supplier to Europe, which is conditioned for Argentina flavor/texture. Future import share to Europe is limited.
Competitiveness outweighs most marketing factors in the majority of the export destinations.
An increasingly complex global regulatory environment means the U.S. peanut industry needs to be fully engaged in dealing with trade and technical threats, including Europe, aflatoxin, CODEX and other issues.
Food Allergy Research Grants
The National Peanut Board is now accepting inquiries for its second annual request for proposals for food allergy research grants. The call for applications is open through May 9, 2025. This year, NPB has increased the total availability of grant funding up to $550,000, which will be awarded to qualified projects designed to advance food allergy solutions.
NPB prioritizes supporting groundbreaking research that drives significant impact in four key areas of food allergy: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management. Health equity is a primary lens through which projects will be evaluated, and early career researchers are encouraged to apply.
Since 2001, the National Peanut Board has invested more than $38 million in food allergy outreach and research. NPB’s investment has contributed to landmark discoveries in peanut allergy prevention; the first FDA approvals of peanut allergy treatments; and best practices for allergy management in schools, foodservice and manufacturing.
For more of the history of NPB’s support of food allergy solutions, check out “Finding a Solution to Peanut Allergies: A 20-Year Journey of Courage, Innovation and Luck” at nationalpeanutboard.org.
PB2 Foods Announces Promotions
PB2 Foods, the original powdered peanut butter pioneer, recently announced key leadership promotions as the company continues to expand its market share and drive strategic growth.
John Monczynski has been named chief customer officer, Steven Ramage has been elevated to chief financial officer and Owen White has been promoted to vice president of marketing.
The leadership moves come as PB2 solidifies its position as the category leader in powdered peanut butter, with a 51% share of the retail market, according to Nielsen data. These promotions reinforce PB2’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence and delivering exceptional value to customers.
PB2 remains committed to strategic investments in talent and growth. The company continues to prioritize jobs in Georgia’s agricultural hub — a federally designated Historically Underutilized Business Zone — and currently employs more than 100 associates in Tifton.
For more information about PB2 Foods and its products, visit pb2foods.com.
Peanut Congress Heads To Music City, Tennessee
Get ready to hit the right notes at the 29th Annual USA Peanut Congress, co-hosted by American Peanut Shellers Association and American Peanut Council. This year, we’re bringing the industry together in the heart of Music City – Nashville, Tennessee!
We’re rolling out the red carpet at The Omni Nashville, a premier venue just steps away from the sights and sounds that make this city legendary. A special block of rooms is available at an exclusive group rate, so be sure to book your stay early before they sell out. ASK for the USA Peanut Congress room block.
Early bird registration rates are available to members until May 5th.
For information, such as a tentative schedule of events, or to register online, go to peanut-shellers.org/events/usa-peanut-congress/.
Growers Conference Returns To Panama City Beach
The 26th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 23-25, 2025, at the Edgewater Beach Resort Conference Center, Panama City Beach, Florida. The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions.
Visit the conference blog to see speaker and sponsor interviews as well as photos from past conferences. The event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and other special plans.
For information, go to www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.
Buying Points Leadership
Greg Sikes of Candler Peanut Company buying point in Metter, Georgia, will serve a second year as president of the National Peanut Buying Points Association. Cole McNair of Birdsong-Damascus is past president. David Rushing of Birdsong Peanuts will continue as vice president and Rhonda Dixon of Dixon Farm Supply will serve as treasurer.
Tyron Spearman, of the Spearman Agency, will serve as executive secretary and Angela Elder remains as assistant executive director. Come join this active association that is exclusively peanuts at www.peanutbuyingpoints.org. NPBPA is a member of the U.S. Peanut Federation, and one director serves on the Georgia Peanut Commission.
Spearman’s Peanut Farm Market News newsletter is free with a buying point membership. Others may subscribe at spearmanagency@friendlycity.net.
