Georgia pecan growers are working to expand export opportunities for pecans with backing from the Georgia Congressional Delegation. Notable representatives, including Rick Allen, Buddy Carter, and Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, are engaging the US Department of Agriculture to facilitate market access for Georgia’s in-shell pecans in India.

The delegation’s letter stated: “While U.S. pecan exporters are now successfully exporting shelled pecans to India, the product purchasers in India have requested the U.S. to export in-shell pecans, which enables the pecans to travel in a more shelf-stable state and allows buyers to finish processing upon arrival in India. Once the U.S. has submitted the required documents to India, India’s Dried Fruit and Nut Council has elected to advocate to the Indian government for a swift solution.”

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service predicts a potential increase in pecan exports to India, from $1.3 million to $5 million annually. Additionally, in 2023, the Republic of India reduced tariffs on US pecans by 70%, positioning the market for growth.

Pecan market projections indicate a growth trajectory valuing the market at $3.64 billion by 2034. Georgia contributes 28% of the US’s pecan exports to the global market.

Source: Southeast AgNet