We’re Nuts for Georgia Peanuts

by | Mar 1, 2024 | Community

It might not be a big deal everywhere, but here in Georgia we’re positively nuts for National Peanut Month. We love them boiled, roasted or used in peanut butter. We also appreciate their economic impact.

Georgia leads the nation in annual peanut production. More than half of all the peanuts grown in the United States come from here. The industry collectively contributes $2.2 billion to the state’s economy.

To salute the good ol’ goober, Walton Gas compiled these nutty facts shared by the Georgia Peanut Commission, American Peanut Council and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Peanut pride

  • The peanut is not a nut; it is classified in the legume family along with beans and lentils.
  • The average American consumes 7.7 pounds of peanuts each year. Peanut butter consumption reached a new record-high of 4.4 pounds per person in 2023.
  • Peanuts are grown commercially in 13 southern U.S. states.
  • U.S. peanut producers planted 1.6 million acres of peanuts in 2023, an increase of 12.9% over the previous year.

The state of nuts

  • Peanuts are the official state crop of Georgia.
  • Peanuts account for about 30% of the state’s row and forage crops income.
  • About 4,000 Georgia farmers grow peanuts.
  • Peanuts are planted in 77 Georgia counties, with commercial production concentrated in 10 southern counties.
  • In 2022 (the most recent production records), Georgia farmers harvested 680,000 acresof peanuts, yielding an average of 4,250 pounds per acre.

‘Nut’rition

  • Peanuts contain more protein than any other nut.
  • Known for their health benefits, peanuts are packed with 29 essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants.
  • Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.
  • Research indicates that consuming a little less than a serving of peanuts a day is an effective way to reduce heart disease.

Go, nuts!

    Ready to celebrate Georgia’s official crop? Here are a couple of ideas:

  • The 16th annual Peanut Proud Festival is set for March 23 in Blakely. The celebration features music, food and fun as Early County citizens come together to honor area peanut farmers, the industry and its contributions to the community.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission operates an education center and gift shop in Tifton. Find it just off Interstate 75 at exit 73B.
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