By Clint Thompson
The current deflated pecan market prices emphasizes the need for additional export markets for Georgia and Alabama producers. Growers are relying on regional and national pecan organizations to open up pathways for the Southeast pecan crop to find an international home, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist.
“It certainly creates even more of a need for it. I’m sure the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, the American Pecan Council, the promotion board, they will all be working to try to open up those export markets,” Wells said. “I’m afraid it’s going to take time. Political issues may present additional problems with that. We don’t know what’s going to happen moving forward. It’s an uncertain time.”
In an interview with AgNet Media earlier this year, Wells said U.S. growers could not depend on China as a future export destination because of its ability to produce its own crop. India may provide American producers that export option they need.
“There’s a lot of demand there. There’s a lot of potential demand there, and there’s a lot of potential customers there,” Well said.
The American Pecan Council held a reverse trade mission with Indian nut importers in growing regions, like Georgia, earlier this year. It provided importers an up-close, informative look at the U.S. pecan industry and how the nut can serve as a nutritious product for Indian customers.
Wells stated earlier this month that at the current market prices, pecan farmers are losing money. One grower had been offered $1.50 per pound for Desirables.
“You’re losing money big time at $1.50 on Desirables,” Wells said.