Peanut farmers approve Georgia Peanut CommissionPeanut farmers approve Georgia Peanut Commission

Georgia peanut farmers reaffirmed the Georgia Peanut Commission by a vote of 92.41 percent during a referendum held March 16 through April 15.

"I appreciate the farmer's confidence in the commission and we are committed to continue earning that confidence," says Armond Morris, peanut farmer from Ocilla, Ga., and GPC chairman. "The commission continues to work together as a partnership between Georgia's peanut farmers, the commission board and staff, in funding research projects to assist with increasing yield, promoting peanuts and working on the farmers' behalf in Washington, D.C."

As required by Georgia state law, the state's peanut farmers vote on the commission every three years. The ballots were mailed to peanut growers the week of March 16 and the Certified Public Accounting firm of Allen, Pritchett and Bassett counted the ballots returned on April 28.

"Our staff is humbled by the overwhelming support of our growers," says Don Koehler, GPC's executive director. "We will continue to seek opportunities through programs in research, education and promotion to enhance profit opportunities on the farm."

Georgia peanut farmers invest $2 per ton each year to the commission that is used in the program areas of research, education, promotion and communication.