The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with the Georgia Bankers Association, kicks off its annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week this week, Oct. 15-19, 2012. This year marks the 36th anniversary of Georgia Peanut Bank Week, and banks and financial businesses across the state will pay homage to peanut farmers’ contributions to the state and local economies. The famous “little red bags” of peanuts, one of the world’s most nutritious foods, will be given away to help aid in telling the peanut farmers’ story.

This year’s theme is “Peanuts and Banking, Here We Grow Again,” to show the relationship and growth between peanut farmers, bankers and the peanut industry. The bond between banking organizations and peanut farmers has always been firm and continues to grow. Georgia leads the nation in the production of peanuts with more than 475,000 planted acres. Gross income from Georgia growers contributes approximately $1 billion impact to South Georgia’s economy. Value added processing adds approximately $1 billion to the state’s economy, also.

The Georgia Peanut Commission invites everyone to visit a participating local bank to support peanut farmers and the banking industry. Peanuts, recipes and other promotional items will be available the week of Oct. 15-19 at participating organizations.