TIFTON, Ga. - Despite the market issues faced by U.S. peanut producers, the salmonella recall and an oversupply of peanuts, U.S. government purchases of peanut butter have declined by 63 percent since peak purchases in 1992. The Georgia Peanut Commission is requesting assistance on behalf of Georgia’s 4,500 peanut growers and urging USDA to purchase peanut butter in the government feeding program.

The commission sent a letter on May 7 to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting USDA to purchase peanut butter in the government feeding programs. Earlier this year Sec. Vilsack announced increased purchases of dry milk, turkey, pork, lamb and walnuts.

“ We believe the peanut industry has faced an extremely trying quarter and would benefit greatly from additional government purchases,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “These purchases would not only increase product demand, but would also show government confidence in peanut products in the wake of the salmonella recall.”

Peanut butter purchases by USDA peaked in the early 1990s with 82,053,775 pounds and now have diminished to 30,694,365 for the 2007/2008 year.

The Georgia Peanut Commission is encouraging all farmers and those affiliated with the peanut industry to contact their Congressman and Senators requesting assistance. A suggested letter is available online at www.AmericanPeanuts.com.