Dr. Joseph McIntyre, research agricultural engineer at USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory presents current aflatoxin research projects during the Aflatoxin Research Update, Jan. 14, 2026, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center.
(Jan. 21, 2026 – WASHINGTON, D.C.) Last week, the American Peanut Shellers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, and United States Peanut Federation hosted the fourth annual Aflatoxin Research Update at the University of Georgia Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Throughout the day, 21 presentations were given by research leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Peanut Research Lab, research and extension professionals from land grant universities such as Fort Valley State University, University of Georgia, University of Florida, and Mississippi State University.
“These annual updates allow us to see the steady progress being made across multi-year research projects. From seasoned experts to emerging researchers, this year’s aflatoxin research update highlighted potential solutions at every point in the supply chain—from enhancing plant resistance and displacing the fungus at the soil level, to understanding how warehouse conditions and practices influence aflatoxin proliferation, and developing more efficient detection methods that could help shellers and manufacturers mitigate financial risk,” said Courtney Dorsett, chair of the American Peanut Shellers Association Committee on Regulatory Compliance and Research Coordination. “Winning the war against aflatoxin will require a multi-pronged approach, and thanks to the financial support of the U.S. Peanut Federation, we are steadily marching toward success.”
U.S. Congress recently approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies legislation, which would continue the peanut aflatoxin research funding for FY 2026 at $4 million.
“Aflatoxin is a major concern for the US peanut industry. The funding secured by the U.S. Peanut Federation has created foundational knowledge among the researchers and allowed university extension professionals to make applicable recommendations to the industry around the management and mitigation of aflatoxin. Growers, buying points, and shellers have all collectively been part of this effort to continue to research and understand aflatoxin,” said Chris Chammoun, executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association.
The U.S. Peanut Federation will continue to work with USDA, land grant universities and peanut organizations on research, funding, and updates surrounding aflatoxin in peanuts.
“The Georgia Peanut Commission is proud to partner in support of these peanut aflatoxin research efforts. We will continue to prioritize this research and welcome future opportunities to advance innovation and progress within the U.S. peanut industry,” said Taylor Arnold, executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
“We are pleased to continue supporting research focused on aflatoxin in peanuts. Discovering new strategies to mitigate the impacts of aflatoxin in peanuts is essential to the long-term viability and success of the entire U.S. peanut industry. The National Peanut Buying Points Association appreciates the important work being carried out by research institutions and departments dedicated to strengthening and sustaining U.S. peanut products,” said Tyron Spearman, executive director of the National Peanut Buying Points Association.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.