Georgia peanut grower, Barry Martin, was one of three winners in a first-of-its-kind program developed by Planters, with the support of the National Peanut Board and other peanut industry organizations. The Naturally Remarkable Planters Awards recognizes peanut farmers who are implementing sustainable practices and making positive social changes in their communities.
The program was created as a way to highlight and share innovative farming practices within the peanut community – encouraging others to take part in sustainable journeys of their own. The farmers’ innovative solutions in environmental and social practices are a perfect extension of Planters own sustainability journey – from reducing our packaging footprint by 84% in a glass to plastic conversion, to achieving a zero waste to landfill target at our facility in Suffolk, Virginia.
Three regional award winners were selected representing the Southeast, Virginia-Carolinas and the Southwest. The 2011 winners of the Naturally Remarkable Planters Awards are:
– Billy Bain: Virginia/Carolinas
– Otis Lee Johnson: Southwest
– Barry Martin: Southeast
Each of the three regional awardees received a $10,000 grant towards a “Naturally Remarkable” community revitalization project in their hometown in 2012.
From Hawkinsville, GA. Southeast winner, Barry Martin’s innovative ideas range from modifying existing equipment to conservation tillage work. Due to his systems based approach to conservation tillage, which conserves soil and water, he has helped double his percentage of organic soil matter, an impressive feat for his region.
Mr. Martin’s farm borders a natural wetland and his sustainable farming practices help preserve the area for water fowl and other wildlife. He also encourages biodiversity by planting food and tree plots for local wildlife, including plots of corn, wheat and oak trees.
Due to drought, water usage is a major issue in Georgia. Because of this, Mr. Martin implemented a Peanut Intensive Management Program, which provides timely information for precision irrigation. Depending on the season, cutting one irrigation event will save about 14 million gallons of water.
Mr. Martin is a featured speaker at conferences organized by the University Of Georgia College Of Agriculture and the Georgia Natural Resources Conservation Service, and is an active member of several agricultural programs and committees. His farm was featured on a Best Management Tour for 20 farmers put on by the University of Florida.