TIFTON, Ga.— The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) will be presenting a new award at the 2009 Georgia Peanut Farm Show in January. GPC will recognize the Outstanding Young Peanut Farmer for Georgia. The Outstanding Young Peanut Farmer Award will be based upon the applicant's overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership, civic, church, and community service activities.

“ We have so many young peanut farmers making a difference in their communities and I consider this new awards program a great opportunity to recognize one young farmer each year for their contributions to the agriculture industry,” says Armond Morris, GPC chairman.

The award is open for any active Georgia peanut farmer who is not over 45 years of age as of the end of the calendar year for which they are applying. An individual may receive the award only once. There is no limit on the number of applicants from each county in Georgia.

Applications are due to the GPC office by Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. The award application is available online at the GPC Web site, www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Carter at 229-386-3690 or joycarter@gapeanuts.com. The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 15 in Albany, Ga. The winner receives registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July and a sign to display at his or her farm.