As an agricultural extension agent, I often have clients come to me with the idea of growing a certain commodity. After they disclose their plans, I usually tell them that we can grow almost anything in Georgia but once you get into the “how to,” things get tricky.
When I say that we can grow almost anything in Georgia, I mean it. We have a long growing season, adequate rainfall and additional water resources we can tap into. We are among the leading states in the production of cotton, peanuts, peaches and pecans. However, just because we have the resources to produce these crops does not mean that everyone in Georgia can be successful.
We can grow almost anything in Georgia only if we can protect itand in Georgia that is the biggest challenge. What makes this state a wonderful place to produce endless supplies of crops also makes it a wonderful place for animals, insects and plant diseases. This makes fruit production in our great state a challenge. However we do have some things going for us.
Peaches require a certain amount of cold weather (chill) in the winter to set buds and make them flower properly come spring. Once they flower, they cannot stand extremely cold temperatures. These two factors make middle Georgia the perfect place to grow peaches. It also helps that the most famous peach variety was developed in Marshallville. The Elberta peach was first planted by horticulturist Samuel Rumph in 1870 and was eventually named in 1875.
This peach - with exceptional color, flavor and firmness - truly launched the beginning of the peach industry in Middle Georgia. Peaches are such a big part of this area that, in the 1920’s, portions of Houston and Macon were combined to form Georgia’s 161st County - Peach - named for the fruit produced here. There is much more to that story but we can save that for another day.
The peach industry has seen growers come and go. Today production is fairly stable at about 12,000 acres with new orchards going in to replace orchards that have run their course. The majority of production is centered around five middle Georgia counties: Crawford, Macon, Monroe, Peachand Taylor.
Researchers from the University of Georgia and U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with county agents and specialists from the UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences help growers understand integrated pest management and efficient fertilizer usage. Not only will this research benefit peach production, it will also be more environmentally sound.
Every year is different in the peach industry, but one thing remains constant - the quality of fruit produced by the growers in this state.
