celebration despite peanut price drops

WILLISTON, Fla. (WCJB) – It was a nutty day in Williston as the annual Peanut Festival returned, bringing excitement to many.

However, behind the fun, peanut farmers are feeling the pressure. Laura Goss, Executive Director of the Florida Peanut Federation, highlighted the tough situation: “There is a lot of great peanuts, but unfortunately, the prices are low.”

As the festival took center stage, many enjoyed a mix of peanut treats, from roasted and boiled peanuts to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

But this year, growers say the celebration comes with mixed emotions as Florida’s peanut farmers face a challenging market.

Goss added, “Prices are down and we are really sad about that, but part of the reason they are down is because yields are up. Farmers have been really, really good in stewarding land and raising up a high-yielding crop.”

Despite the lower prices, many farmers are committed to the festival, emphasizing that it’s about more than just money; it’s about coming together to celebrate a crop that has been part of Williston’s history for many years.

“Levy County ranks third in the state of Florida in peanut production, but Williston has historically been the peanut capital for the state of Florida, growing peanuts for over 100 years,” Goss said.

Farmers are hopeful that prices will rebound next season. For now, they are counting on support from their close and nutty community as they navigate the ups and downs of peanut farming.

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