Peanut groups initiate efforts to protect industry

by Jennifer Whittaker, Editor

During the 29th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show, peanut farmers had the opportunity to examine a new web site designed to help them stay on top of legislation that will impact the industry and make it easier to keep in touch with their legislators.

Although federal legislators aren’t expected to begin working on the 2007 Farm Bill until next year, peanut industry leaders are already taking steps to get peanut growers involved in the farm bill discussions.

Growers attending the 29th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show held Jan. 20, in Albany, had the chance to see a new web site that offers growers a new way to contact their legislators.

On this web site, (www.AmericanPeanuts.com) growers can view bills that directly impact them, write their congressmen and send editorials to media outlets in their area. Peanut growers can register their e-mail address to receive legislative alerts via e-mail. Growers are required to register on the web site to e-mail a letter to a congressman.

“This web site is going to help peanut farmers make decisions and follow legislation that affects the peanut program,” Armond Morris, Georgia Peanut Commission chairman, said. “The Peanut Commission has developed this so people can stay up-to-date with what’s happening at the moment.”

Calling the web site a “tractor for the legislative process,” Peanut Commission member Donald Chase said the site can be used by peanut growers across the country.

“As a Commission we can’t lobby, but we can put information out there so growers can contact their legislators,” Chase said. “Farmers can find out what’s going on and respond to what’s going on by letting their congressmen know how they feel.”

Following the official program of the Peanut Show, Terry Pickle, Georgia Peanut Producers Association president, announced the formation of the American Peanut PAC (Political Action Committee). GPPA and other farmer organizations plan to launch a campaign to raise $500,000 by asking Georgia growers to donate $1 per acre up to 200 acres or $250.($50 for membership and $200 for political action). For more information call 1-800-997-6887.

“We’re still trying to figure out the current farm bill, but we’re about to have to start worrying about the new farm bill,” Pickle said.

“I think it’s very important that we all get involved, and I encourage each of you to get involved,” Morris said.

Bill Brown, who is responsible for corporate purchasing for the J.M. Smucker Company, tolad the crowd of more than 1,000 farmers and industry representatives assembled for the annual peanut show that “Price remains a powerful incentive to get consumers to try a new product, but taste is key for ensuring repeat purchases.”

Brown said he is excited about the historic levels of peanut usage that are being sustained and said the state of the peanut butter category remains healthy and strong.

“We’re using more peanuts in our products than ever before in the history of our company.”

Brown said 2004 was a remarkable year in the history of the JM Smucker Company as the company completed its first full year of ownership of JIF® peanut butter which contributed to a year of record sales and profits. Additionally, the company built a new facility in Scottsville, Ky., to meet the consumer demand for Smucker’s® Uncrustables®.