The National Peanut Board (NPB), in collaboration with the Georgia Peanut Tour, hosted the 2025 Harvest Tour as more than 7,000 peanut-farming families moved into harvest season. This signature event brought together a high-caliber group of attendees, including decision-makers from Sodexo, Harvard University Dining Services, The J.M. Smucker Co., leaders from large school districts, media registered dietitians, and other influential partners in food and health.
Over several days, participants experienced the full journey of America’s favorite legume—from farm to table—while gaining direct exposure to the growers, innovators, and organizations behind peanuts.
The tour began in Echols County at Bo Corbett’s family farm. Corbett, a seventh-generation peanut farmer, also grows corn, cotton, tobacco, and raises beef cattle. “We started with 200 acres and we are at 700 acres now. It’s all about our family, our community. Everything starts at the farm. Without us, all the food stores would not exist,” Corbett shared. His family’s deep commitment to the land and community set the tone for the tour, with many participants ranking his visit as one of the most impactful experiences.
Beyond the fields, NPB invested in unique opportunities to showcase the versatility and cultural relevance of peanuts. Chef Duane Nutter prepared a custom dinner highlighting peanuts across a variety of cuisines, a highlight consistently noted by attendees. The group also visited MANA Nutrition, where they learned about Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and peanuts’ critical role in combating malnutrition worldwide. Both experiences were ranked among the most meaningful parts of the tour.
The tour also provided a window into the challenges and resilience of growers. Ashley Smith, Coffee County extension agent, described the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and how farmers are working tirelessly to recover. Despite hardships, attendees saw firsthand the strength, perseverance, and innovation that define America’s peanut growers.
Preliminary survey feedback underscores the impact of the tour, with nearly all responses ranking experiences a 5/5. Top highlights included Bo Corbett’s farm, Chef Duane’s dinner, and the MANA Nutrition visit. One attendee noted, “Hearing directly from farmers and seeing peanuts used in both global health and fine dining truly brought the story full circle.”
By engaging influential voices in food, health, and education, NPB’s Harvest Tour goes beyond the farm—equipping leaders with knowledge and appreciation that drives demand and strengthens support for USA-grown peanuts.
For more peanut-industry events, visit nationalpeanutboard.org.