TIFTON, Ga.— Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer. The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, in Albany, Ga. The inaugural winner of the award in 2009 was presented to Jimmy Webb of Leary, Ga.

The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award is based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership, civic, church, and community service activities. The Georgia Peanut Commission sponsors the award.

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

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 Monday, Jan. 4, 2010. 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 award 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.