Boosting the U.S. Pecan market - A strategic vision

Feb 16, 2024

By Farms.com

Under the leadership of Anne Warden, the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board are setting the stage for significant growth within the pecan industry.

Warden’s enthusiasm for promoting the health benefits and culinary versatility of pecans is at the heart of a comprehensive strategy designed to increase consumer demand and open new export channels.

Central to this strategy is the Unified Pecan Promotion Plan (UPPP), which aims to unite the industry in boosting profitability through innovative marketing and expanded use of pecans. The plan is to engage stakeholders across the industry to ensure broad support and implementation of the strategy.

The focus on nutrition is a key pillar, positioning pecans as a nutritious choice for health-conscious consumers. The council is eyeing exports, particularly to vegetarian-majority countries like India, to drive international demand. The strategy also includes leveraging funds from pecan imports for domestic marketing and essential research to bolster the pecan’s market position.

The Warden’s approach includes fostering collaboration among the numerous pecan organizations to streamline efforts towards common goals. By enhancing marketing capabilities and providing insights to stakeholders, the initiative aims to elevate the pecan industry to new heights, ensuring a stable and profitable future for U.S. pecan growers and marketers.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.