We are delighted to welcome you to the 2024 Georgia Peanut Tour and thank you for your participation. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’re a seasoned “Peanut Tour Veteran,” we are thrilled to have you on our 36th tour. As in previous years, you’ll gain an in-depth look at the production of one of Georgia’s key agricultural crops. We hope this experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of both the challenges faced by our farmers and the reasons we proudly declare that Georgia grows the best peanuts in the world. Our goal is for you to develop a greater appreciation for the rich heritage of peanut farming in our state. Those involved in the peanut industry—farmers, buyers, processors, researchers, Extension personnel, and Georgia Peanut Commission representatives—take great pride in Georgia’s position as the leading peanut-producing state in the U.S., and we’re excited to showcase this year’s crop to you.

The 2024 Georgia Peanut Tour is staged in the central region of our state’s production area and begins on the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 17, with a “Hot Topics” symposium. Expert speakers will address the status of this year’s peanut crop and provide a special focus on sustainability within the global peanut industry.

The two days that follow will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about production, research, processing, and more. Field visits will provide you with a glimpse of peanut production, digging and harvest. The University of Georgia and U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers will provide updates on innovative research projects at the Southwest Georgia Research and Education Center in Plains, Georgia and the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Lab in Dawson, Georgia. The tour also includes visits within the supply chain to Olam Shelling Plant and Locke Farm Center. Attendees will also tour GreenPoint Ag, Nolin Steel, Thursh Aircraft, Amadas, and more!

Once again, on behalf of the Peanut Tour Committee, which includes members from the Georgia Peanut Commission, the University of Georgia, and the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Lab, I extend a warm welcome to the 36th Georgia Peanut Tour! Over the next few days, we hope you gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Georgia’s peanut industry and the dedication of those involved in producing the world’s finest peanuts. We aim for our events to foster fellowship and allow you to experience the best of southern hospitality while exploring the beautiful, rural areas of our state. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, whose generosity makes this tour possible. Please feel free to reach out if you need assistance navigating through our state’s production areas. We take great pride in our peanut farmers and industry and are excited to share them with you.