Alexandria, Va. (June 3, 2025) – Sustainable U.S. Peanuts (SUSP) has concluded its fourth year with record-breaking participation, highlighting growing momentum behind sustainability efforts across the American peanut industry. A total of 326 peanut growers enrolled in the 2024 crop year, representing 166,338 acres (9.2% of U.S. peanut acreage) across 12 states, the highest levels of grower engagement since the program’s inception.
Sustainable U.S. Peanuts is an industry-wide effort to support America’s peanut growers in implementing and documenting sustainable farming practices. Designed to help meet rising marketplace expectations, increase demand for U.S.-grown peanuts and ensure the long-term economic viability of peanut farming, SUSP provides growers with tools and insights to measure and improve the efficiency of their operations.
“In just four years, Sustainable U.S. Peanuts has become a powerful platform for both grower engagement and industry leadership in sustainability,” said American Peanut Council Sustainability Committee Chair Dan Ward, a seventh-generation grower from North Carolina. “These record-breaking numbers show that growers are not only willing but eager to demonstrate their stewardship and commitment to the future of peanut farming.”
Through robust data collection and benchmarking, SUSP offers participants key insights into resource use efficiency—from water and fertilizer to energy and land management. By adopting sustainable practices and sharing performance metrics, growers are positioning the U.S. peanut industry to meet the evolving demands of global food manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
“This year’s record participation in Sustainable U.S. Peanuts reflects the incredible dedication of our growers and the strong support from partners across the supply chain to promote U.S. peanuts in global markets where sustainability matters more than ever,” said APC Director of Sustainability Allie Randell.
Looking ahead: expanding impact and industry support
Now entering its fifth year, SUSP is moving into its next phase with an ambitious goal: to reach 13% of total U.S. peanut acreage by 2026. Achieving this milestone will allow the initiative to credibly represent the broader peanut industry to buyers and consumers who are increasingly seeking verifiable sustainability commitments.
To support this next phase, the American Peanut Council has launched the second round of industry fundraising. What began as a bold idea has evolved into a robust, grower-driven sustainability platform.
“While the progress to date is significant, critical work remains,” said Ward. “Continued support and funding from across the peanut value chain will be essential to expanding grower participation, enhancing data collection and earning long-term trust and recognition from key marketplace stakeholders.”
