TIFTON — The 31st annual Georgia Peanut Tour was held Sept. 19-21, in the Albany area. The tour brings the latest information on peanuts while providing a first-hand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops were made in several peanut producing counties including Dougherty, Terrell and Sumter.
Attendees were able to see first-hand nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state. This year’s tour hosted many exciting stops including on-farm field visits, as well as, University of Georgia Southwest Research and Education Center, Georgia Seed Development Facility and Carter’s Boyhood Home in Plains, National Peanut Research Lab in Dawson, Smithville Peanut Buying Point and JLA USA in Albany.
During the tour, President Jimmy Carter visited with tour attendees. He recalled stories from growing up in Plains. More than 175 attendees from across the U.S. and other countries were excited to learn more about the President and the city of Plains.

Attendees were also able to visit the Israel Farm in Smithville and the Lee Farm in Bronwood. The farm visits allowed participants to see how peanuts are harvested. For many participants,  this is the first time they have stepped into a peanut field and witnessed peanut digging first hand.
The Georgia Peanut Tour is coordinated by the Georgia Peanut Commission, the University of Georgia- Griffin and Tifton Campuses, Southwest Georgia Research & Education Center, Attapulgus Research & Education Center and the USDA/ARS National Peanut Research Lab. The Georgia Peanut Tour blog covers all aspects of the tour so those not attending may follow along at www.georgiapeanuttour.com.