Exports, Tariffs, and Tradition, Pecan Farmers Seek Relief in Global Market

By Milton Kirby | Keysville, GA | August 18, 2025

In the rolling orchards of middle and south Georgia, pecan farming is more than a business. It is a heritage rooted in resilience, family, and faith in the land. Saturday, three longtime growers sat down with U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock to talk about the future of their crop and the pressures of international trade.

Pecan Farmers at the Table — Photo by Milton Kirby – Pecan farmers at the table with Senator Raphael Warnock

Georgia is the nation’s leading pecan producer, with over 144,000 acres planted across the state. For 17 consecutive years, Georgia has outpaced all others, producing an average of 88 million pounds annually. In strong years, like 2020, output climbed above 142 million pounds. Nearly one-third of the state’s harvest is exported, with the Port of Savannah serving as a major hub for shipments to Asia, Europe, and South America.

A Legacy Crop with Deep Roots

The pecan tree, native to North America, can bear edible nuts for more than 300 years. Commercial planting in Georgia began in the early 1900s, especially in the sandy soils of the southwest. Albany and Dougherty County quickly became known as the “Pecan Capital of the World.”

The crop has endured both natural and economic tests. Hurricane Michael in 2018 wiped out more than 26,000 acres of pecan trees, cutting yields nearly in half. Recovery has been slow, as new trees can take close to a decade to mature. But farmers persevered, and by 2020, Georgia reclaimed its top spot in production, thanks to improved yields and strategic replanting.

Governor Brian Kemp underscored the crop’s importance by declaring the pecan the official state nut in April 2021. Legislation like Senate Bill 222 further spotlighted Georgia Grown products, boosting the visibility of local agriculture.

Farmers at the Table

In Keysville, Jeb Barrow runs Three Bee’s Farms, a pecan orchard his family has operated for nearly 130 years. Generations of Barrows have lived through storms and market swings, but recent years have been particularly rough. “Last year I lost around 40% of my crop,” Barrow said. Hurricane Helene damaged three-quarters of his trees, and he has worked steadily to replant. “It takes all of us—farmers here on the ground, support from Washington, and smart trade decisions. That’s what keeps us moving forward.”

Barrow praised Senator Warnock’s willingness to listen. “He’s serious about supporting Georgia agriculture. He didn’t come here to lecture—he came here to sit at the table and hear us out,” he said.

For R.G. Lamar, pecans have always been a family business. His parents, John and Carol Lamar, started Lamar Pecan Company in Hawkinsville during the late 1970s. At first, the family could not afford large equipment, so much of the work was done by hand. “My dad and my brother built this place through sweat,” Lamar recalled. By 1992, they had constructed a cleaning plant, and by the early 2000s, they were exporting pecans to China.

Today, R.G. and his stepbrother Grant manage more than 2,300 acres. The farm produces over 2.5 million pounds annually, with varieties such as Desirable, Stuart, Schley, and Sumner. Their retail brand, Front Porch Pecans, offers roasted snacks sold on Amazon and in stores across the country. “We believe Georgia pecans can compete anywhere in the world,” Lamar said. “But we need stability in trade policy.”

Sam Pennington, who operates Pennington Farms, Inc. in Wrens, emphasized the delicate balance of farming in a global economy. His operation, like many, depends on steady exports to remain profitable. “We know we grow a world-class product,” Pennington said. “But tariffs can close doors overnight. That uncertainty is the hardest part.”

Exports and Tariffs

Georgia’s export market has shown resilience. The Port of Savannah reported a 20% increase in nut exports in 2020 over 2019, a sign of strong international demand. Still, China, once a top buyer, pulled back during the trade disputes of the Trump administration. Farmers and state officials now view India as a promising market to help fill that gap.

Warnock addressed those concerns directly. “I’m not opposed to tariffs,” he told the farmers, “but we need a strategic, thoughtful, coherent approach to trade. A blanket 10% increase in consumer goods doesn’t help farmers or families.”

The senator noted that Congress, not the executive branch, holds constitutional authority over trade policy. “Congress does have the power and the ability to bring some common sense approach to this if it chooses to do so,” he said.

Walking with the Farmers

Warnock said his visit was about more than policy. “It was really important for me to be here in the region today,” he said. “I promised Georgians that I would always walk with them, even while working for them. Our farmers are the best among us. It’s very hard work, with a lot of uncertainty. We should do everything we can to try to lighten that burden.”

As the meeting ended, the farmers returned to their orchards, where new trees take root alongside old ones. For them, the work is as much about legacy as livelihood. And with the backing of policymakers, Georgia’s pecan growers hope to keep the state’s title as the nation’s top producer for generations to come.

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