Released: Nov. 22, 2024

TIFTON, Ga. — The American Peanut Shellers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and United States Peanut Federation recently hosted an Aflatoxin Research Update at the University of Georgia Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia.

Throughout the day, 18 presentations were given by research leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Peanut Research Lab, research and extension professionals from land grant universities such as Fort Valley State University, University of Georgia, University of Florida and Mississippi State University.

“The entire peanut supply chain benefits from the work these researchers are doing, but most importantly their work will provide solutions for our farmers,” said Courtney Dorsett, chair of the American Peanut Shellers Association Committee on Regulatory Compliance and Research Coordination. “Tackling the aflatoxin problem leads to peanut varieties that are more drought-tolerant and resistant to insects and diseases. Maintaining yields with fewer inputs under adverse conditions puts money back in the growers’ pockets and ensures that our industry remains sustainable for generations.”

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee previously approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies legislation, which would continue the peanut aflatoxin contamination research funding for FY 2025 at the same $4 million level as FY 2024. This legislation has not yet been passed and signed into law, but is expected to be finalized late this year or early next year.

“Today’s presentations have underscored the critical need for ongoing research to address the challenges posed by aflatoxin and its impact on the peanut industry,” said Chris Chammoun, executive director of American Peanut Shellers Association. “The funding secured by the United States Peanut Federation has been instrumental in driving these efforts forward, and we are deeply grateful for the support that makes this important work possible.”

The U.S. Peanut Federation will continue to work with USDA, land grant universities and peanut organizations on research, funding, and updates surrounding aflatoxin in peanuts.

“The Georgia Peanut Commission is committed to supporting research efforts across the peanut industry,” said Don Koehler, executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “We will continue to prioritize aflatoxin research and look forward to future opportunities for further advancement in our industry.”

“Aflatoxin research is vital to the continued success of the peanut industry. We are working with other peanut leaders and researchers to develop solutions surrounding aflatoxin and mitigating its impact on peanuts,” said Tyron Spearman, executive director of the National Peanut Buying Points Association.

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