Georgia Peanut Commission Cooks Up Programs to Benefit Growers
Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Much like Bubba talking about shrimp in the movie Forrest Gump, Don Koehler can list countless ways to prepare peanuts. There’s frozen peanut butter pie, peanut butter chocolate cherries, tortellini in peanut sauce, nutty stuffed pork chops and even sautéed shrimp in key lime and peanut sauce.
Koehler has a good reason for his culinary taste – he’s executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission. Peanuts are a $2 billion industry in Georgia, encompassing more than 250 peanut-related businesses, more than 4,800 active farms and more than 50,000 jobs.
The Georgia Peanut Commission was formed in 1961 to conduct programs related to peanuts in the areas of promotion, research and education. Its operations are funded by a $2 per ton assessment on all Georgia peanut producers. Koehler has led the Commission as executive director for 24 of its 49 years.
A fairly strong year in 2010
In peanut farming, 2010 is shaping up to be a fairly good year, according to Koehler. Farmers rotate their crops so that peanuts are only grown one year out of three on any given acreage. Beyond that rule, farmers typically look at expected prices to determine the mix of crops to plant, which are typically cotton, corn or peanuts in Georgia.
“With a slight increase in peanut acreage in 2010, any normal growing season should produce a profitable year for peanut farmers,” Koehler said.
Input costs for chemicals and fertilizers are always a concern. However, Koehler believes competition among suppliers is keeping those costs manageable for most farmers.
“Looking beyond 2010, we’re beginning our efforts to help shape the 2012 farm bill. We’re hoping for an enhanced safety net in the new bill. The current law doesn’t provide adequate support for many farmers given today’s costs,” Koehler explained.
According to Koehler, the Georgia Peanut Commission works closely with growers in other states, especially Alabama and Texas, to make sure the farm bill will work effectively for everyone in the peanut industry.
Promotion, research and education
Each year the Commission funds a number of research studies to identify ways to help farmers reduce costs of production and improve agronomic techniques. In 2009, the Commission awarded $255,000 to peanut research facilities in Georgia, providing funds for 24 state research projects and 3 federal projects. Among the projects funded were programs in economics, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, peanut breeding for higher yield and improved quality, pest, weed and disease management, and allergen-free peanuts.
“We’ve had good results from our research programs. Peanut yield potential continues to increase at a good rate for our growers,” Koehler explained.
Another area of emphasis for the Commission is promoting the versatility and nutritional value of peanuts. And it all starts with a good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
“A person could eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk for lunch everyday and get the protein and vitamins they need,” Koehler said.
But there’s no need to stick with a PB and J. The Georgia Peanut Commission sponsors recipe contests and demonstrates new peanut recipes at all types of shows and events. Koehler develops many of the recipes himself, tests them on the Commission staff and performs the chef demonstrations at consumer shows and fairs.
“I’m a self-taught chef. I basically study recipes to see how other folks are doing it and then I work through how to adapt the recipe for peanuts,” he explained. “The seven people on staff at the Commission are my test reviewers. They’re pretty honest with me – they didn’t like my peanut butter pizza.”
In February, at the Southern Women’s Show in Savannah, Ga., Koehler demonstrated his sautéed shrimp with key lime and peanut sauce. He served it with grits made with whole kernel corn and chopped peanuts and hush puppies that had chopped peanuts in the batter coating. Thanks to all those great-tasting peanuts, Koehler was voted “Best Chef” by the event’s attendees.
Working for growers
The Commission provides other services for growers in addition to research, education and promotion. On its website, www.gapeanuts.com, growers can see information on weekly market prices, get the latest news on legislative actions that may impact their business and participate in community outreach activities. Peanut farmers elect the members of the Commission’s Board of Directors, which helps ensure that programs and initiatives benefit growers.
“I have the best job in the world,” Koehler said. “I work for farmers who are a great group in a noble profession. And I promote peanuts, a great-tasting food that is good for you.”
For more information on the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com
