Va. peanut farmers concerned about uncertain market

SUFFOLK

Peanut farmers across the region are in a quandary this spring.

Last year was especially good for the speciality crop. Production was excellent, said Dell Cotton, director of the Virginia/North Carolina Peanut Growers Association.

"Peanuts don't need a lot of rain, but they do need it at the right times during the year, and we got just what we needed," Cotton said. "The price was up, so a lot of peanuts were planted. Now, we find ourselves awash with peanuts."

In these chilly days leading up to spring planting, the farmers are planning their fields. But shellers, like Birdsong and Golden in Suffolk, have yet to issue contracts, a price-promise farmers depend upon. Add to that the salmonella scare that has swept the nation.

"I can almost guarantee there will less peanut acres in Virginia and North Carolina," Cotton said. "That's a given."

The salmonella issue shouldn't even come into play, he said.

"This issue was strictly one manufacturer," he said, referring to Peanut Corp. of America. The company ceased operations - including at a blanching plant it owned in Suffolk - after the salmonella outbreak was traced to its products.

It had nothing to do with the large peanuts that local farmers grow. Most of the peanuts grown in Virginia and North Carolina are used as in-shell or canned, snack peanuts. They're seldom used in things like peanut butter.

Even the state commissioner of agriculture is concerned about the industry. Todd Haymore said that peanuts have been hurt by a decline in consumption caused by the recall of peanut products in the salmonella outbreak.

And farmers, Cotton said, already are suffering as badly as the rest of the nation in the recession and economic downfall. Farmers, like the rest of us, have all been paying higher prices for things like gas and groceries, he said. Now, they're uncertain about their future.

"We're waiting to see what the contracts are," said Lynda Upd ike, who farms with her husband in Southampton County.

Most are saying not to expect a contract until after peanuts are planted, Updike said.

"Who would be foolish enough to plant without a contract?" she asked.

Dee Dee Darden, who farms with her husband in Isle of Wight County near Smithfield and has served on numerous state and national peanut boards, said they are still hopeful for the crop that has historically helped support Virginia agriculture.

"We have never stopped growing peanuts," Darden said.

Even the president of the peanut growers isn't sure about this uncertain spring.

Lewis Everett, of Capron in Southampton County, said he has no idea what he's going to plant.

"We're waiting for something to come out of the shellers," he said. "Nothing is secure right now. It's all mirroring the economy."

Linda McNatt, (757) 222-5561, linda.mcnatt@pilotonline.com