PEANUT MARKETING NEWS – February 5, 2021 – Tyron Spearman, Editor (15)

COMMENTS BY TOM VILSACK, NOMINEE FOR NEW SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

“We have the world’s most productive and innovative farmers. But the farm economy is suffering due to the pandemic, years
of consolidation, and natural disasters brought on by climate change. If confirmed, USDA will lead the federal government in building
and maintaining new markets in America that diversify rural economies; producing healthy, local and regional foods; investing in
renewable energy; creating a thriving bio-based manufacturing sector; embracing sustainable and regenerative practices that enhance
soil health; and delivering science-based solutions to help mitigate and reduce climate change.
We must stop the farm debt cycle and create transparency in pricing throughout the supply chain; expand overseas
markets and give U.S. agriculture a level playing field; and harness USDA’s expertise in science and conservation to work with
farmers, ranchers and forest owners to create new sources of income tied to their good climate practices.”
WHAT DID THE PEANUT RESEARCHERS FIND? - The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold the annual Research Report Day
on Feb. 10, 2021, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at their headquarters in Tifton, Georgia, and will be available virtually. The event provides
growers and industry representatives an opportunity to hear the latest reports and newest information available on peanut research
projects funded by GPC in 2020.
“The commission works to wisely invest peanut farmers’ dollars into research projects across Georgia in an effort to reduce
production input costs and improve agronomic techniques,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman. “Although some
of the findings are preliminary, the projects are exciting, and many times new recommendations or observations are announced.”
GPC awarded $739,693 to peanut research facilities in the state during 2020. This effort funds 40 research projects from
the University of Georgia, the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The research
programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and
disease management. Individuals interested in participating in the virtual report presentations should contact GPC at 229-386-3470 or
email Hannah Jones at hannah@gapeanuts.com. The agenda for the GPC Research Report Day is available online at
www.gapeanuts.com. All research reports will be available online following the GPC Research Report Day.
PLANTERS & THE SUPER BOWL - Planters’ Mr. Peanut is back, but he won’t be headed to Sunday’s Super Bowl (at least not in a
traditional commercial like last year. Planters “killed off” its mascot last year, but brought it back in the form of a Baby Nut during its
Super Bowl ad last year.
But instead of running a Super Bowl spot this year, the snack brand is giving away the $5 million it would have spent running
one. The year-long circle-of-life campaign around Mr. Peanut culminates Monday with a new storyline and an announcement that
Planters will take the roughly $5 million it would ordinarily spend on a Super Bowl ad slot and instead route that money to recognize
people doing charitable acts. The brand is calling them “acts of substance,” a play on positioning the snack as a substantive alternative
to options like potato chips.
HORMEL DEALING FOR PLANTERS - Kraft Heinz is nearing a deal to sell its Planters business to Hormel, a move that would
value the nuts and snacks unit at about $3 billion, according to a report THIS WEEK.
The sale could be unveiled as early as next week, assuming talks don't fall apart, people familiar with the matter told The Wall
Street Journal. Planters, founded in 1906 in Wilkes Barres, Pa., by two Italian immigrants, primarily sells nuts and snack mixes.
Hormel sells numerous meats and other grocery items, including Skippy peanut butter. Planters would be the largest
acquisition to date for Hormel, Austin, Minn.
M&M CANDY PLAYS THE “KAREN” CARD – “Karens” have been everywhere: lying to police about being threatened, throwing
meat to protest mask-wearing and getting in the face of LeBron James. Now a “Karen” is featured in M&M’s Super Bowl commercial.
The brand candy-coated its social commentary. But the mere fact that one of the emerging definitions for white privilege
made it into a reported $5.5 million ad is noteworthy. The spot sets out to prove that M&M’s can improve any awkward situation,
covering encounters like airline seat-pushing and baby gender reveals gone bad.
Be warned, Karens. The M&M’s ad is scheduled to air during the first commercial break after kickoff on Sunday.
HISTORY FOR SALE- The Peanut Farm Market News is in its Thirty Third (33) year. IN 2020, editors sent out 167 editions. All
167 editions of PFMN has been copied to flash drives. This includes all USDA crop estimates, news and peanut updates. Get your
own copy for $300. Contact Angela for your peanut history of 2020 - Spearmanagency@friendlycity.net
NOW IS TIME TO JOIN – Be a part of the peanut buying point association. Buying Points can join for $600 per year, which
includes the Peanut Farm Market News, all meetings and two conventions. The Association has a seat on the Federal State Inspection
Service, the Georgia Peanut Commission and the US Peanut Federation. Supporting companies and individuals may join for $400
per year. Contact Angela for info and JOIN TODAY. spearmanagency@friendlycity.net. You may also visit our site:
www.peanutbuyingpoints.org for more information.