Pecans, Peanuts, Forestry, and Cotton Featured at the GA National Fair
News Release
Contact: Becca Turner
(229)891-5647
Email: becca@owcreatives.co
GEORGIA’S PECANS, PEANUTS, FORESTS, AND COTTON HIGHLIGHTED AT THE FAIR
TIFTON, GA, September 9, 2026 - Last year, nearly 500,000 visitors explored the reimagined Georgia Grown Building at the Georgia National Fair, featuring the Powerful Peanut Experience, the Georgia Forests Experience, and the Georgia Cotton Experience. This year, Georgia’s Rural Center is teaming up with the Georgia Pecan Growers Association to bring fair-goers an additional immersive exhibit: Crack into Georgia Pecans. For 10 days in October, Georgia Grown and the Georgia Department of Agriculture will showcase Georgia’s pecan industry and the many benefits of “Georgia’s Favorite Snack”.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Grown continue to enhance their signature building by highlighting pecans at the 37th Georgia National Fair. Georgia leads the nation in pecan production, producing about one-third of the nation’s pecans, around 100 million pounds annually, contributing more than $250 million in value and economic impact to the state. The pecan, Georgia’s official state nut, offers numerous nutritional benefits and is certified by the American Heart Association as part of a heart-healthy diet.
While pecans and agriculture do support rural areas, these communities face unique challenges. Georgia’s Rural Center was created in 2018 to build healthy, vibrant rural Georgia communities through collaborative partnerships that help Georgians address challenges of all types in every corner of the state. “Georgia’s Rural Center is committed to strengthening rural communities by celebrating the people, industries and traditions of Georgia agriculture and showcasing their impact on our state’s economy and way of life,” said Charlie Fiveash, Director of Georgia’s Rural Center.
Through its partnership with the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, the Center showcases the importance of pecans to Georgia’s agricultural industry. Since 1965, the Georgia Pecan Growers Association has promoted and provided research and education for Georgia’s pecan industry. “We are thrilled to have pecans as the featured Georgia Grown commodity this year as part of the great tradition of the Georgia National Fair. As Georgia’s state nut, pecans are deeply rooted in our state’s agricultural heritage. With the Fair coinciding with the beginning of fall and pecan harvest season, it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and promote the exceptional quality, rich history, and longstanding tradition of Georgia pecans,” said Mary Mikelyn Bruorton, Executive Director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association.
Guests will be invited to “Crack into Georgia Pecans” through an interactive experience that brings Georgia’s pecan industry to life from the orchard to the table. Visitors can crack pecans, explore different varieties grown across the state, follow the journey of a pecan tree from planting to production, and get an up-close look at the specialized equipment that keeps Georgia’s orchards growing, including the chance to feel the shake of pecan harvest firsthand. Along the way, guests will uncover the year-round work that goes into producing one of Georgia’s most iconic crops, its impact on the state’s agricultural industry, and plenty of delicious and innovative ways to enjoy pecans “beyond the pie.”
Next, explore the reimagined Georgia Cotton Experience celebrating cotton’s enduring role in Georgia agriculture and American manufacturing. Visitors will learn how cotton is grown and harvested before following it through the manufacturing process. Exhibit partners Magnolia Loom (Rally Apparel) and Southern Drawl Cotton will offer live demonstrations, including the sewing of T-shirts and hand towels. The exhibit will showcase the connection between Georgia farms, the products we use every day, and American-made goods.
The Powerful Peanut Experience brings Georgia’s official state crop to life, celebrating the peanut's powerful impact on our state’s agriculture, economy, and everyday lives. Once inside, visitors will step beneath towering 3D peanut plants and follow the peanut’s journey from the field to the many food products. Along the way, they’ll discover how peanuts grow, their history and sustainability story, different varieties and their role in a healthy lifestyle. Guests can continue the experience inside an iconic Peanut Wagon.
With updated industry information reflecting current developments, the Georgia Forests Experience, first introduced at the Fair in 2024, takes visitors through Georgia’s forestry industry. Guests will explore how forests are planted, grown and protected, while discovering forestry’s impact on conservation, Georgia’s economy, and everyday products.
Visit the Georgia Grown Building at the Georgia National Fair, October 8-18, 2026, to engage in Crack into Georgia Pecans, the Powerful Peanut, the Georgia Forests, and the Georgia Cotton Experiences. “We’re thrilled to showcase Georgia’s pecan industry and the farm families who fuel its success in the Georgia Grown building at this year’s Georgia National Fair. As the top pecan producing state in the nation, our growers deserve the spotlight, and I’m proud that we can highlight their tremendous contributions to the success of Georgia agriculture. Regardless of how you pronounce it, you will have a great experience at the Crack into Georgia Pecans exhibit!” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
Georgia’s Rural Center, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Grown, the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, the Georgia Peanut Commission, and the Georgia Forestry Commission invite you to experience some of the best of Georgia agriculture, from pecans and peanuts to working forests and cotton.
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To access all media assets and to learn more about the partners, visit www.ruralga.org.
