|
TARIFF UPDATE - MAY 1 On April 2, President Trump issued an executive order to impose a range of increased tariffs on most U.S. imports under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. However, on April 9, President Trump announced that the reciprocal tariffs would be set at 10% for all countries other than China, Canada and Mexico for 90 days (July 9, 2025). Administration officials have confirmed that there will be no “exceptions” to these tariffs. Specifically, Effective April 9, U.S. imports from all countries, except Canada and Mexico, will now have an additional tariff of 10%, which is in addition to the current U.S. most favored nation (MFN) tariff. In the case of imported peanuts, the 10% tariff will be applied to both the in-quota and over-quota tariffs. Tariffs on peanut products imported from Canada and Mexico meeting the rules of origin under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will remain at zero. If peanut products are produced from U.S. or Mexican peanuts, it would meet the USMCA rule of origin. If Canadian and Mexican products do not meet the USMCA rule of origin, an additional 25% tariff is applied pursuant to a presidential executive order issued on March 4. Effective July 9, for 60 countries, the 10% tariff is to be replaced by a higher tariff. Imports from countries from which the United States imports most of its peanuts and peanut products will face higher U.S. tariffs. Retaliation by peanut customers:
SUMMER MEETINGS ANNOUNCED for PEANUT INDUSTRY The 29th Annual USA Peanut Congress will be held June 9-12, 2025 at the Omni Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. The Congress isco-hosted by American Peanut Council and American Peanut Shellers Association. Held in the heart of Music City - Nashville, Tennessee. The American Peanut Council offers a forum and unified voice for everyone involved with peanuts. Whether you grow, buy, sell or manufacture, APC is the only association that represents the entire peanut industry. The 57th Annual Meeting of the American Peanut Research and Education Society will be July 15-17, 2025 at the Omni Richmond Hotel in the heart of historic Richmond, Virginia. This event brings together leading peanut researchers, industry professionals, and educators for three days of collaboration, innovation, and discovery. The APRES annual meeting offers a unique opportunity to share groundbreaking research, discuss industry challenges, and network with experts from around the world. The 26th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 23-25, 2025 at the Edgewater Beach Resort Conference Center, Panama City Beach, Florida. The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. Visit the conference blog to see speaker and sponsor interviews as well as photos from past conferences. The event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and other special programs. PEANUT ACRES ESTIMATE & CONCERNS USDA estimated that growers intend to plant 1.95 million acres in 2025, up 8 percent from 2024. Compared with last year, planted acreage is expected to increase 9 percent or more in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. In Georgia, the largest peanut-producing State, planted area is expected to be up 12 percent from last year to 950,000 acres. A peanut specialist survey also predicted peanut acreage will increase about 8.5%, 150,000 acres, however state estimates were different from USDA. Georgia could increases to 925,000 acres,(+9.5%). Alabama is predicted to increase 7.5% to 200,000 acres. The survey showed Florida with a 10% increase to 173,000 acres. Dr. Kris Balkcom of Auburn University noted some of the concerns expressed by farmers this season. Concerns included potential Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, Gypsum availability coupled with high cost, seed fields with no rotation, high input costs, drought with potential spider mites and burrowing bug damage, increases White Mold pressure dragging down yield and reducing profitability. Buying points could experience overrun at harvest. PEANUT EXPORTS – STRATEGY AND FACTS Peter Viazakis, Vice President of International Programs for the American Peanut Council reported at the Spring Meeting of the American Peanut Shellers that Export Strategy goals the next 4 years are to maintain 25% exports in Mexico while holding to 84% import share. Another goal is to hold import share in Canada, EU, Japan and China. Long range goals are to add 20,000 FST (farmer stock tons) to new markets by 2028. and +100,000 FST in 10 years. Viazakis listed several themes and market facts: - 85% of U.S. peanut exports currently go to mature markets. The need is new categories or new geographic areas. -Growth in total peanut kernel imports by Mexico has slowed, but peanut butter consumption is just beginning to grow. Peanut butter appears to be driving in Europe/UK peanut butter consumption. -The U.S. is NOT seen as a consistent supplier to Europe, which has conditioned for Argentina flavor/texture. Future import share to Europe is limited. - Competitiveness outweighs most marketing factors in the majority of the export destinations. What really differentiates USA peanuts beyond quality! An increasingly complex global regulatory environment means the U.S. peanut industry needs to be fully engaged in dealing with trade and technical threats, including Europe, aflatoxin, CODEX and other issues. FSA ANNOUNCES ECAP PROGRAM The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued a notice announcing the funding for ECAP, which will provide economic assistance payments to eligible producers of eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. ECAP is a new FSA program authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025. This notice also announces the eligibility (commodities, acres, producers, and losses), payment calculations, payment limitations, and how to apply (pre-filled application and any required adjustments) for ECAP. The program will be available til August 15. ECAP will use up to $10 billion to issue 1-time economic assistance payments to eligible producers of eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. These payments are intended to help farmers cope with losses from natural disasters and a difficult farm economy, and will help preserve family farms and ranches across the country while also continuing to ensure food and agricultural security for our nation.). In brief, for growers that followed all the reporting rules at FSA and meet guidelines, payment per acre on peanuts is $75.71. Some other commodities payment per acre include cotton -$84.74, corn - $42.91, wheat - $30.69, and soybeans - $29.76. ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial ECAP payments will be factored by 85% to ensure that total program payments do not exceed available funding. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment. ECAP assistance will be calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented plant, ECAP assistance will be calculated at 50%. For ECAP payment estimates, producers are encouraged to visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to use the ECAP online calculator. GEORGIA PEANUT FARMERS TO INVEST IN RESEARCH The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $764,189 in research project funding for the 2025-26 research budget year. The research projects approved include 40 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Kennesaw State University, North Carolina State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management. The GPC board of directors approved additional projects focusing on non-food uses of peanuts. The projects aim to provide a new opportunity for growth within the peanut industry. The new projects are looking at utilizing normal-oleic peanuts in poultry feed, an economic feasibility and performance evaluation of pasture-raised broiler chickens in peanut-based farming systems and converting peanut oil from a non-drying oil to a drying oil for timber oils and coatings. Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative which includes research funding of $1,460,202 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers. FOOD ALLERGY RESEARCH GRANTS The National Peanut Board is now accepting inquiries for its second annual request for proposals (RFP) for food allergy research grants. The call for applications is open through May 9, 2025. This year, NPB has increased the total availability of grant funding up to $550,000, which will be awarded to qualified projects designed to advance food allergy solutions. Interested applicants can submit a Letter of Inquiry. NPB prioritizes supporting groundbreaking research that drives significant impact in four key areas of food allergy with an emphasis on peanut: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Health equity is a primary lens through which projects will be evaluated, and early-career researchers are encouraged to apply. Since 2001, the National Peanut Board has invested more than $38 million in food allergy outreach and research. NPB’s investment has contributed to landmark discoveries in peanut allergy prevention; the first FDA approvals of peanut allergy treatments; and best practices for allergy management in schools, foodservice and manufacturing. For more of the history of NPB’s support of food allergy solutions, check out ‘Finding a Solution to Peanut Allergies: A 20-Year Journey of Courage, Innovation and Luck.’ LET’S GO SELL SOME PEANUTS - ABROAD USDA is launching agricultural trade promotion programs for FY 2026 and accepting applications for four export market development programs. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service has opened funding opportunities for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP) that will help U.S. agricultural producers promote and sell their goods internationally. This action follows U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ announcement detailing six international trade trips in the next six months to promote U.S. agricultural exports. The Secretary will visit Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. “Our job at USDA is to open new markets for our farmers, ranchers, and producers. The previous administration left agriculture with a $50 billion trade deficit. President Trump and I will not sit idly by - we are actively working to open new markets and remove existing barriers,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are putting farmers first. These programs are a crucial step in sustaining long lasting economic growth in rural America.” PB2 FOODS ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS PB2 Foods (pb2foods.com), the original powdered peanut butter pioneer, is proud to announce key leadership promotions as the company continues to expand its market share and drive strategic growth. John Monczynski has been named Chief Customer Officer (CCO), Steven Ramage has been elevated to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Owen White has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing. The leadership moves come as PB2 solidifies its position as the category leader in powdered peanut butter, with a 51% share of the retail market, according to Nielsen data. These promotions reinforce PB2’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional value to customers. PB2 remains committed to strategic investments in talent and growth. The company continues to prioritize American jobs in Georgia’s agricultural hub — a federally designated Historically Underutilized Business Zone — and currently employs over 100 associates in Tifton, Ga. For more information about PB2 Foods and its products, visit pb2foods.com. SIKES CONTINUES AS HEAD OF THE NATIONAL PEANUT BUYING POINTS ASSOCIATION Greg Sikes of Candler Peanut Company buying point in Metter, GA will serve a second year as president of the National Peanut Buying Points Association. Cole McNair of Birdsong-Damascus is past President. David Rushing of Birdsong Peanuts will continue as Vice President and Rhonda Dixon of Dixon Farm Supply as Treasurer. Tyron Spearman of the Spearman Agency will serve as Executive Secretary and Angela Elder will serve as Assistant Executive Director. Come join this active association that is exclusively peanuts at www.peanutbuyingpoints.org. NPBPA is a member of the US Peanut Federation, and one director serves on the Georgia Peanut Commission. Tyron’s Peanut Farm Market News newsletter is FREE with buying point membership. Others may subscribe at [email protected]. AMERICAN PEANUT COUNCIL MEETS WITH UN AGENCIES The American Peanut Council met with two United Nations’ agencies in Rome recently to discuss priorities related to the use of U.S. peanuts in life-saving food assistance. The meetings with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) explored opportunities supporting APC’s work with peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in underdeveloped countries. The WFP and FAO meetings focused on the possibility of future collaboration on RUTF production, APC’s role in supporting RUTF producers in the U.S., and potential challenges for both U.S. growers and global food assistance efforts stemming from the closure of USAID. Both UN agencies work together to promote food security around the world. DID YOU KNOW? This year Peanut Proud will have shipped over 241,920 jars of peanut butter for domestic humanitarian relief to seven states from January to the end of March, 2025. The peanut butter has gone to humanitarian organizations from small food pantries to large, regional food banks. Donate a pallet today - $1,554 – Peanut Proud, Gregg Grimsley – 229-723- 3641 - [email protected]. PEANUT LEADERS DONATE PEANUT BUTTER TO CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) leaders combined advocacy with service during their March 2025 Washington, D.C. Fly-in. The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC), in conjunction with USPF, proudly partnered with Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s humanitarian relief organization, to donate 5,760 jars of peanut butter to serve the Nation’s Capital and surrounding areas. This donation was made to recognize and celebrate National Peanut Month in March. Molly McGlinchy, Deputy Chief of Programs and Innovation at CAFB, expressed appreciation to the peanut industry representatives in attendance. “Protein is a critical nutrient at all ages and all stages of life for the individuals that we serve, and peanut butter is a great way to provide that nutrient," said Molly McGlinchy. "It's shelf-stable and kid-friendly, and always in high demand among our clients. We're grateful for this donation, which will be distributed to neighbors across our region." CAFB works to address hunger today and create brighter futures tomorrow for the half a million neighbors across the region experiencing food insecurity. As the anchor in the area’s hunger relief infrastructure, they provide over 60 million meals to people in need each year by supplying food to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. They also work in partnership with organizations across the region to address hunger’s root causes by pairing food with other critical services. |