Peanut allergies are among the most severe, life-long allergies. The Clinton Administration has proposed prohibiting peanuts from being served in certain sections of commercial airplanes. The University of Georgia will coordinate research throughout the Southeast to reduce the allergenic potential of peanuts through seed breeding programs, the development of peanut vaccines and new processing methods. Historically, U.S. grown peanuts have been the highest quality in the world. The quality research at the National Peanut Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia will focus on inspection processes and reducing aflatoxin, a potential health threat.
Consumers benefit from continuing research in food safety.
This critical funding for peanut research was nearly lost May 27 on the House floor during debate on the Agriculture bill, when Rep. Tom A. Coburn of Oklahoma offered an amendment to kill it. The losses in quality products diminishes Georgia's participation in competitive world trade. Vidalia Onions have become world renown. With other sweet onion competition closing in, this University of Georgia research targets disease-resistance and quality, using scientific data instead of artistic guesswork. This project focuses on agricultural water demands now and in the future.