By Clint Thompson
Maybe now more than ever, Georgia pecan growers are in need of hope.
University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells believes this week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Conference and Trade Show provided growers hope amid a challenging time for the industry.
“This meeting always occurs just as the buds are breaking or right before they break. It’s always at the beginning of the season. Everybody’s glad to see some sunshine, buds breaking and new green leaves starting. That I think gives a little bit of sense of optimism to everybody,” Wells said.
One of the key educational sessions on Wednesday focused on a grower panel with three producers; Buck Paulk, Justin Jones and Scott Hudson. The Georgia farmers each bemoaned the effects of Hurricane Helene and low prices that devastated the industry last season. But they also provided hope in discussing potential exports to India and the value of the American Pecan Promotion Board.
“(Growers) have been hearing all winter about how bad things are, after the hurricane and with the prices. It’s good for them to hear that there are some positive things taken place to help move the industry forward in a good way,” Wells said. “It’s a completely different thing hearing it from another grower compared to hearing it from some university guy or ‘expert;’ hearing it from a grower who they see as being on their level and somebody they can trust because they have been in their shoes.”
Event’s Importance
The three-day event concluded on Thursday with a tour of Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley. Producers from across the state and industry leaders from across the country met for the conference in Perry, Georgia.
Mary Mikelyn Bruorton, executive director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, discussed the event this week and its importance to growers in attendance.
“They are able to see growers from North Georgia to South Georgia and really get to talk with each other and say, ‘What are the challenges?’ ‘How are you facing these challenges?’ ‘How can I compare it on my farm?’” Bruorton said.
“They’re also able to see up-to-date research from UGA and the United States Department of Agriculture and see what has advanced in technology and research as well as get market updates from our national organizations, state organizations and have a community.”