Benefits of Peach Farming
When peaches were first introduced to Georgia, peaches provided a ready source of food (both calories and vitamins), and could be made into jams and jellies for consumption beyond the harvest. Peaches were also readily accepted by indigenous tribes in Georgia as part of their diets and culture.
Economic Benefits
As peach production increased, the value of the crop grew beyond local food supply. In the late 1850s, Georgia farmers began exporting peaches to New York State. These exports provided farmers with a valuable source of cash income, and the exports helped diversify their farm crops. Today, the economic impact of peach farming is important to Georgia. Annual production of peaches is approximately 130 million pounds, which accounts for about $45 million in economic impact on the State’s economy. Additionally, hiring during harvesting season adds jobs and positive tax contributions to Georgia.
Health Benefits
In addition to the farmers’ benefiting from peaches, local economies also benefit from the crop as peaches require significant manual labor in the tending and harvesting of the crop. Packing and transportation has also grown due to the export of the crop.
Lastly, consumers benefit from these peaches because peaches are relatively inexpensive, healthy, and great tasting. Peaches:
• Deliver a high fiber, low-calorie food source,
• Provide vitamin C which helps develop resistance against infections,
• Contain vitamin A and beta carotene which are important to healthy vision and offer protection from lung and oral cancers,
• Offer a ready source of minerals (potassium, fluoride, and iron). Potassium to help regulate heart beat and blood pressure; fluoride promotes healthy bones/teeth; and iron benefits red blood cell production,
• Contain no saturated fats, and
• Show possible benefit in the treatment of breast cancer.
Economic Benefits
As peach production increased, the value of the crop grew beyond local food supply. In the late 1850s, Georgia farmers began exporting peaches to New York State. These exports provided farmers with a valuable source of cash income, and the exports helped diversify their farm crops. Today, the economic impact of peach farming is important to Georgia. Annual production of peaches is approximately 130 million pounds, which accounts for about $45 million in economic impact on the State’s economy. Additionally, hiring during harvesting season adds jobs and positive tax contributions to Georgia.
Health Benefits
In addition to the farmers’ benefiting from peaches, local economies also benefit from the crop as peaches require significant manual labor in the tending and harvesting of the crop. Packing and transportation has also grown due to the export of the crop.
Lastly, consumers benefit from these peaches because peaches are relatively inexpensive, healthy, and great tasting. Peaches:
• Deliver a high fiber, low-calorie food source,
• Provide vitamin C which helps develop resistance against infections,
• Contain vitamin A and beta carotene which are important to healthy vision and offer protection from lung and oral cancers,
• Offer a ready source of minerals (potassium, fluoride, and iron). Potassium to help regulate heart beat and blood pressure; fluoride promotes healthy bones/teeth; and iron benefits red blood cell production,
• Contain no saturated fats, and
• Show possible benefit in the treatment of breast cancer.