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Recognizing the Georgia Peanut Producers Association; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, peanuts and peanut products are recognized throughout our nation and the world as an appetizing and nutritious food, providing protein and other nutrients as part of a well-balanced diet; and

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia leads the United States in peanut production, producing nearly 40 percent of the total supply in the nation; further, our state leads the nation in peanut exports, supplying 30 percent of the U.S. peanut exports, contributing over $90 million toward our nation's balance of trade; and

WHEREAS, peanut production is the largest single cash food row crop in Georgia with gross farm receipts averaging over $400 million for the past five years; and

WHEREAS, more than 250 Georgia companies engaged in warehousing, processing, manufacturing, and marketing totally depend on the peanut industry, and hundreds of other Georgia companies that engage in financing, supplying, distributing, and transporting are dependent to some extent on the peanut industry; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia peanut industry has played a significant role in the economic growth and prosperity of our state, contributing an estimated $1 billion to the Georgia economy and supporting the livelihood of more than 150,000 Georgians.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and salute the outstanding contributions made by the peanut industry to the economic health of the State of Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Georgia Peanut Producers Association.