Georgia Peanut Commission Increases Funding for Research Projects in 2015

Randall Weiseman Field Crops, Georgia, Industry News Release, Peanuts

From the Georgia Peanut Commission:

gpcTIFTON, Ga. (May 8, 2015) TIFTON, Ga.-The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $357,570 in research project funding for the 2015-16 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March and April board meetings. The research projects approved include 29 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia and USDA Agricultural Research Service.

“We are proud of our close relationship and partnership with research institutions in the state,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman. “Peanut growers are pleased to invest in the future by providing monetary support for research and education that has continued to demonstrate a return on our investment. Due to the continuing success enjoyed by Georgia peanut farmers over the past few years, we were able to increase research funding again for 2015.”

The GPC board approved additional funding this year to provide a tractor for the UGA Peanut Team. The tractor is compatible to 4-row equipment and is equipped with GPS guidance.

“We would like to thank the Georgia Peanut Commission and the peanut growers in Georgia for providing the needed funds for purchasing a John Deere 6125R tractor for use in research and extension efforts to advance the production capabilities of Georgia producers,” says UGA peanut agronomist, Scott Monfort, on behalf of the UGA Peanut Team. “The purchase of this tractor will allow the peanut team to begin to evaluate new tillage, planting, pest management, and harvest technologies in the future. The peanut team is very appreciative of the growers in Georgia continuing to support the efforts of the University of Georgia’s Extension and research efforts in peanut production.”

Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs which includes research, promotion and education. Research comprises 22 percent of available funds in the commission’s budget.

“The commission recognizes the importance of research to Georgia peanut farmers through this investment to provide better cultivars, technologies and information, along with providing support for a world-class education and Extension program to ensure our farmers remain the lowest-cost producers and sustainable in today’s markets,” says Jamison Cruce, GPC director of research & education. “The number of peanut and related researchers, such as a peanut entomologist and an irrigation specialist, has increased in the past few years allowing for further opportunities in research and Extension that will enable the farmers’ success even more.”

The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding for higher yield and improved quality; economics; conservation methods; irrigation and water management; pests, weed and disease management; and peanut allergy research. However, GPC is stepping up their efforts by funding research focusing on the development and evaluation of new cultivars with an emphasis on disease resistant genetic markers and using long range internet connectivity and other newer technologies to improve management on the farm.

For additional information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission visit www.gapeanuts.com.