Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation this week declaring March as Peanut Month for the state of Alabama.
This signing event helped the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) kick off the month strong.
Governor Ivey presented the proclamation to APPA board president Carl Sanders on Wednesday in front of the Capitol. Sanders was joined by other board members, Jerry Byrd, Billy Hixon, Thomas Adams and APPA Executive Director Jacob Davis.
During the event, 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.
APPA notes this all came at a perfect time. House Bill 350 was passed in the House on Thursday, March 10. The bill was introduced by Rep. Wes Allen along with other co-sponsors to designate the peanut as the official state legume. The bill now moves to the Senate for a vote.
Peanuts are extremely important to Alabama’s economy, as it is a $211.4 million industry in the state. Alabama currently ranks second in peanut production in the U.S. with 33 out of 67 counties producing peanuts last year.
For more information, visit alpeanuts.com.