Photo Credit: WALB
Georgia has now reclaimed the number one spot for pecan production in the U.S., according to a recent report by the USDA. This comes as Governor Brian Kemp declared the pecan as Georgia’s official state nut Friday.
Governor Kemp signed SB 222 Friday in Vienna, Georgia at Ellis Brothers Pecans, making the pecan the official nut for the State of Georgia.
But what about Georgia’s other favorite, the peanut? Well, it’s actually not a nut but listed in the pea family and because of this and the big bucks that pecans bring to Georgia, Senator Carden Summers and many more pushed to have the pecan named the official nut.
“Well, we did our homework, we got out and told people what the facts were, how much pecans mean for the economy,” said Summers.
Kemp said he’s doing more for pecan farmers than just declaring it the state nut. He said he’s helping farmers, like pecan producers, by diversifying and creating economic development for rural Georgia, along with getting broadband internet to those rural farms.
The governor is counting on good marketing from the state level and people supporting Georgia, both domestically and internationally.
“I’m very hopeful about the position that Georgia’s in from an economic development perspective and agriculture. I mean, I fully understand how tough it has been on the farm for many years now,” said Kemp.
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