Sustainability
Georgia produces about half of the peanuts that are grown annually in the United States. Therefore, Georgia industries and producers must be pioneers in the initiative to produce peanuts more sustainably. Premium Peanut is a firm believer in protecting valuable natural resources for future generations. By building a strong agricultural community that focuses on improving efficiency and maximizing productivity while maintaining economic viability, we hope to be an industry leader in the movement to increase agricultural sustainability.
|
On site, Premium strives to have a zero-waste policy. All hulls that are produced from the shelling process are sold for Biofuel production, animal feed, to Georgia poultry producers to be used as bedding in chicken houses throughout the state, or to our farmers who use the biomass as a soil amendment for their fields. Foreign material that is extracted during the shelling process, such as rocks and pebbles are stored in a central location for our grower-owners to access and utilize in other projects. Currently Segregation 3 peanuts are sold to other crushing facilities. However, with the addition of the new Oil Plant, which will be in operation in 2018, Premium will be a self-reliant operation.
|
Peanuts physiologically exhibit more sustainable tendencies than other crops. They are a legume species meaning they can fix their own nitrogen, reducing a farmer’s reliability on synthetic fertilizers. Due to their short stature, they have a higher water efficiency. These characteristics have allowed for peanuts to be a more naturally sustainable crop; however, it is imperative to continue improving upon production methods to ensure peanuts remain an environmentally friendly crop.
We believe the first step to creating more sustainable farming techniques is communicating to our farmers the need to be more environmentally aware. Farmers are natural stewards of the land and know the benefits to be gained by protecting valuable resources. Having a representative on staff to work closely with producers on current and new, innovative methods to increase environmental stewardship and yield has enabled Premium to focus on providing our customers with a quality product.
Premium shareholders are already implementing sustainable farming techniques in peanut production. Many of our farmers in the southeastern portion of the state produce their peanuts using a reduced tillage system paired with a cover crop. Reduced tillage methods have been proven to decrease the amount of erosion in agricultural fields. Pairing a reduced tillage system with a cover crop can improve soil health by building the soil, creating a healthier environment for the next season’s production.
Premium is also partnering with researchers and developers on techniques that focus on increasing yield while decreasing the negative impacts on the environment. Performing on-farm research trials concentrating on new, innovative ways to produce peanuts to feed a growing world population is key to ensuring peanut production remains on the cutting edge of agriculture.
We believe the first step to creating more sustainable farming techniques is communicating to our farmers the need to be more environmentally aware. Farmers are natural stewards of the land and know the benefits to be gained by protecting valuable resources. Having a representative on staff to work closely with producers on current and new, innovative methods to increase environmental stewardship and yield has enabled Premium to focus on providing our customers with a quality product.
Premium shareholders are already implementing sustainable farming techniques in peanut production. Many of our farmers in the southeastern portion of the state produce their peanuts using a reduced tillage system paired with a cover crop. Reduced tillage methods have been proven to decrease the amount of erosion in agricultural fields. Pairing a reduced tillage system with a cover crop can improve soil health by building the soil, creating a healthier environment for the next season’s production.
Premium is also partnering with researchers and developers on techniques that focus on increasing yield while decreasing the negative impacts on the environment. Performing on-farm research trials concentrating on new, innovative ways to produce peanuts to feed a growing world population is key to ensuring peanut production remains on the cutting edge of agriculture.