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Georgia pecan, corn growers approve continuation of assessments

In balloting during May, Georgia pecan and corn growers approved the continuation of assessments they pay to support their respective agricultural commodity commissions.

The pecan assessment is one cent per pound and funds activities of the Georgia Pecan Commission.  This assessment is applicable to growers with 30 acres or more of pecans in Georgia. The referendum passed with 82.7% of those voting in favor of continuing the assessment. Collections are authorized under the Georgia Pecan Commission Marketing Order which must be approved every three years. This assessment is separate from the Federal Market Order for Pecans Checkoff.  The Georgia assessment of one cent per pound supports research and marketing activities of the Georgia Pecan Commission for the benefit of Georgia pecan growers.  The marketing efforts focus on a targeted audience and increasing the awareness of Georgia pecans as a snack option over other nuts and snack items as well as promoting Georgia pecans at many trade events.   Some of the research projects funded with The University of Georgia and the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are on production practices, disease and insect control, variety development, water management, and health benefits of pecan included in diets.  

The corn assessment is one cent per bushel as authorized in the Georgia Corn Commission Market Order. This assessment must be voted on every three years and is collected on corn grown and marketed for grain by Georgia producers. The referendum passed with 92% of those voting in favor of continuing the assessment.

 Funds collected by the Georgia Corn Commission are used for research projects conducted by the University of Georgia, ABAC, and ARS/USDA.  Some of the areas of research funded have been on water utilization and management, fertilizer uptake and utilization, minor nutrients, precision ag projects, insect, and disease management, as well as breeding research. Corn is a very important crop in Georgia for the poultry and dairy industry in their feeding programs but as a rotational crop for the other important row crops in Georgia. 

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