Donald Chase Elected Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission
The Georgia Peanut Commission has announced that Donald Chase of Oglethorpe, Georgia, has been elected as the new chairman of the commission. This marks Chase’s first term serving as chairman. He previously served as vice chairman and succeeds Joe Boddiford of Sylvania, Georgia, who completed his term as chairman.
Chase expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the organization, saying, “I’m honored and humbled to serve as the board chairman for this coming year.” He added, “while the commission organization is changing, rest assured, the current mission remains the same. We must drive value to every one of the peanut farmers of Georgia and help them sell more peanuts at a profit.”
The commission also announced its slate of officers for the coming year. Joe Boddiford of Sylvania will now serve as vice chairman, while Rodney Dawson of Hawkinsville, Georgia, has been elected treasurer. Additional board members represent districts across the state, including Ross Kendrick of Sycamore, Georgia, who continues to serve on the board representing his district.
Georgia remains the largest peanut-producing state in the nation, a distinction that underscores the importance of leadership within the commission. The state’s peanut production area is divided into five regions, and Georgia growers produce approximately 52% of all peanuts grown in the United States. This dominant role places the Georgia Peanut Commission at the center of national discussions on peanut research, marketing, and policy.
In addition to leadership updates, the commission announced an upcoming research-focused event. On February 4 at 9 a.m., the National Environmental Seed Lab will host the Georgia Peanut Commission Research Report Day. During the event, researchers will present findings from projects funded by the commission.
The Georgia Peanut Commission invested approximately $300,000 last year in research initiatives aimed at improving production efficiency, sustainability, and profitability for growers. These projects play a key role in addressing challenges faced by peanut farmers and advancing the long-term success of Georgia’s peanut industry.
Commission leaders say continued investment in research, strong representation across districts, and a focus on profitability will remain central priorities as the organization moves forward under new leadership.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.