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GCC, GPC approve more than $1.5 million in research funding

The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) have approved funding for multiple research projects.

In March, the GPC Board of Directors approved $789,776 for the 2026-27 research budget year. The research projects approved include 40 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Separately, the GCC Board of directors at its March meeting agreed to provide $725,875 in research for the 2027 crop year for 17 cotton projects to be conducted by UGA and UGA Extension.

The peanut research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management. One new project is looking at development of a quick, non-destructive seed vigor and germination test.

The GPC board of directors approved additional projects focusing on non-food uses of peanuts. The projects aim to provide a new opportunity for growth within the peanut industry. The new projects are looking at the utilization of whole-in-shell peanuts in poultry rations and other innovative non-food uses of peanut oil and shells.

Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative which includes research funding of $1,705,907 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers.

GCC’s funding will support projects including research in cotton on resistant weeds, soil management practices, evaluating the economics of conservation production, irrigation management and many more. The goal of this producer-funded research is to help cotton producers by conducting research that can either raise yields, promote efficiency or open new markets.

All cotton research projects are vetted by both the GCC Board of Directors and State Support Committee, made up of cotton producers from across the state, and the GCC’s research review committee, which consists of researchers, crop consultants and local UGA Extension Agriculture/Natural Resource agents.

For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission, call (478) 988-4235 or visit www.georgiacottoncommission.org. For additional information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission visit www.gapeanuts.com.

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