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. 19, 2012, in Albany, Ga. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and Bayer CropScience.

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.

“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.

“Bayer CropScience is honored to be a sponsor of the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award,” says John Hand, Southeast District Sales Manager. “We are committed to agriculture and bringing new innovative solutions to producers that will allow them to continue to be successful.”

Applications are due to the GPC office by Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. 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.

Previous winners include Greg Mims of Donalsonville, Ga.; Jim Waters of Blackshear, Ga. and Jimmy Webb of Leary, Ga. 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.