Dr. Ellis Heath, professor of economics and head of the Department of Economics and Finance at Valdosta State University, recently presented a macroeconomic outlook to peanut industry leaders during the 2026 Pre-Harvest Meeting of the American Peanut Shellers Association and National Peanut Buying Points Association in Leesburg, Georgia.

This was Heath’s first time earning an invitation to develop and deliver an economic perspective for these two organizations, and he described the experience as both “rewarding and humbling.”

“Georgia’s economy depends on strong industries and the communities they support,” he said. “Knowing that my research can provide useful insight for industry leaders, policymakers, and others makes the work meaningful. I am proud to contribute data and analysis that can help strengthen an industry vital to Georgia’s future.”

Heath noted that the Pre-Harvest Meeting brought together approximately 150 members of Georgia’s peanut community, including industry professionals, producers, business leaders, and other stakeholders. The annual event is regarded as one of the most important gatherings of the peanut industry, providing an opportunity for leaders to discuss the issues shaping the upcoming harvest.

Heath shared the stage with U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop Jr. of Georgia’s second congressional district; Bob Redding, president of the U.S. Peanut Federation; Dr. Samara Sterling, director of research and nutrition for The Peanut Institute; Dr. Charles E. Konrad, director of the Southeast Regional Climate Center; and Bryan Lawson, federal program manager with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service Southeast Federal-State Inspection Office.

“The significance of the Pre-Harvest meeting extends well beyond the peanut industry itself,” he said. “Peanuts are the cornerstone of Georgia’s agriculture and an important contributor to the state’s economy. Georgia is also the world leader in peanut exports, making the state’s peanut industry a key player in the global agricultural marketplace.”

VSU’s Department of Economics and Finance is committed to connecting academic expertise with the economic issues facing Georgia’s businesses, agricultural producers, and communities. By bringing economic insight to conversations with industry and government leaders, the department continues to demonstrate the value of economics and finance education and expertise in understanding and shaping the forces that drive Georgia’s economy.

Heath said he is often called upon by different groups to provide independent economic forecasts and analysis that helps leaders better understand market conditions, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions.

On the Web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/business/