By Clint Thompson
The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) used March, also known as National Peanut Month, to continue its promotion of Georgia peanuts.
Joy Crosby, assistant executive director of the GPC, discusses some of the events that the organization participated in.
“We were able to kick off National Peanut Month with our annual peanut butter and jelly day at the State Capitol. We were able to go and visit with our state legislators, hand out some of the Smuckers Uncrustables and were very fortunate that Smuckers was willing to donate some of the Uncrustables to us that we could hand out and distribute at the State Capitol,” Crosby said. “For several years we have sent bags of peanuts to the welcome centers in the state of Georgia. Each of the main welcome centers as you enter the state of Georgia has peanuts, recipes and other brochures on hand that they’re giving to tourists as they enter the state of Georgia.
“We’re also very proud to be able to partner with WALB out of Albany and WOTC out of Savannah to sponsor their Proud to be a Georgia Farmer program. With each of those, there’s different peanut farmers highlighted during the news show. Also, each station will have a 30-minute show on Georgia’s peanut industry and how important peanuts are to the state of Georgia.”
Georgia is Leading Producer of Peanuts
Georgia is the top producer of peanuts in the United States. Its farmers provide more than 45% of the country’s crop each year, according to University of Georgia Extension.
Peanuts account for nearly two-thirds of all snack nuts consumed in the United States. They have more than 30 essential vitamins and nutrients, are a good source of fiber and part of a heart-healthy diet.
“Anyone that is interested in Georgia peanuts that’s searching for new recipes can check out our website to learn more,” Crosby said.