At its March board meeting, the Georgia Peanut Commission awarded $1 million to peanut researchers in Georgia, including $959,000 to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

The money will provide research for economics, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, peanut breeding for higher yield and improved quality, pests, weed and disease management and allergen-free peanuts.

“Peanut growers are pleased to provide this money to support the research and education that has continued to demonstrate a return on our investment,” said Donald Chase, Macon County farmer and GPC research committee chairman.

“Georgia Peanut Commission’s support continues to fuel the college’s research for this most important Georgia commodity. And it helps us provide the unbiased information Georgia growers need to stay competitive and lead the country in high-quality peanut production,” said J. Scott Angle, UGA CAES dean and director.

The money comes from growers, combined with funding from the National Peanut Board. Since 1962, Georgia growers have invested more than $17 million in research with nearly $10 million of that amount coming in the last 12 years.

“Past research and technological advancements have been the silver lining that kept us ahead of the curve in maintaining superior quality, a competitive position and increased consumption in the world’s marketplace,” Chase said. “Much technological advancement is on the horizon, and we embrace the future with excitement and confidence.”

GPC also presented $101,000 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Tifton, Ga.