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Georgia cotton, peanut commissions approve research funding

The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and the Georgia Peanut Commission (GCC) approved a combined $1.47 million in research funding at their respective March board meetings.

The GCC board signed off on $675,340 in research for the 2025 crop year, funding 17 projects that will be conducted by University of Georgia researchers and extension specialists. Funded projects include studies 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 GCC projects are vetted by both the commission board of directors and State Support Committee, made up of cotton producers from across the state, and the commission’s research review committee, which is made up of researchers, crop consultants and local UGA Extension Agriculture/Natural Resource agents.

“I and the other producers on our board understand that due to high inputs and low markets, times are extremely hard on the farm, and we are committed to being good stewards of producers’ money by funding research projects that promote efficiency, increases yield, and ensures long-term sustainability for family farms in Georgia,” GCC Chairman Bart Davis said.

Georgia cotton growers pay a $1 per bale assessment to support GCC’s research, promotion and education work. For more information about the GCC, visit www.georgiacottoncommission.org.

 The GPC board approved $791,639 in research project funding for the 2024-25 research budget year. Projects approved include 40 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

“As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment,” said GPC Research Committee Chairman Donald Chase. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions and look forward to seeing the results which will benefit farmers in the state and enhance the sustainability of our crop.”

Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs which includes research, promotion and education. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as, pests, weed and disease management.

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 utilizing high-oleic peanuts in poultry feed, converting peanut oil from a non-drying oil to a drying oil for timber oils and coatings, reviewing George Washington Carver’s peanut uses for application in today’s world and finding new non-food applications of peanuts and by-products. 

Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative which includes research funding of $1,557,580 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers.

For more information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the GPC visit www.gapeanuts.com.

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