Georgia SB 396: State Symbols; pecan as the official state nut; designate

Bill Text

20 LC 34 5625
S. B. 396
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Senate Bill 396
By: Senators Walker III of the 20th, Wilkinson of the 50th, Black of the 8th, Anderson of
the 24th, Hill of the 4th and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,1
relating to state symbols, so as to designate the pecan as the official state nut; to provide for2
related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:4
SECTION 1.5
Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state6
symbols, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:7
"50-3-89.8
(a)(1) The pecan is the only edible nut native to North America and is this country's most9
successful homegrown tree nut crop. It is known for its health benefits; scientists have10
discovered that pecans' golden kernels are good for the heart, with antioxidants and11
cholesterol lowering effects. The pecan traces its origins back to the 16th century, and12
the name 'pecan' is derived from the Native American word 'pacane' that translates as 'nut13
requiring a stone to crack.'14
(2) The domestication of the pecan is attributed in large part to a Louisiana plantation15
slave known as Antoine, a master gardener who developed a method of grafting that led16
to the birth of the commercial pecan industry. By 1920, Georgia was producing 2.517
million pounds of pecans; half a century later, the Georgia nut had grown so iconic that18
organizers for the 1996 Olympics crafted Muhammad Ali's torch handle out of pecan19
wood. Pecans remained a local commodity for a long time, enjoyed mainly in the South,20
but global demand for them has skyrocketed in the last decade, including the emerging21
marketplace in China where nuts are considered a delicacy. In 2015, Georgia farmers22
produced 37 percent of pecans grown in the United States and, despite hurricanes and23
tariffs, Georgia continues to be regarded as the top pecan producing state, with over24
170,000 acres planted.25
(3) Pecans can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or flavored and can be incorporated into gourmet26
cooking through countless recipes, such as pecan pie, pralines, brittle, and candies.27

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S. B. 396
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Public recognition and demand for Georgia Grown branded products have increased28
significantly due in large part to the many Georgia Grown pecan growers and processors29
who promote this state's homegrown products and agritourism sites. People throughout30
the nation and world associate Georgia with the pecan, and appropriate Georgia31
recognition of pecans will help promote tourism in the state.32
(b) The pecan is designated as the official Georgia state nut."33
SECTION 2.34
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.35