Peach Prominence in Dispute

Georgia, for years known as the Peach State, may prominently feature the peach on its license plates, major roadways and even on its state quarter, but South Carolina has dominated the peach market for nearly a generation.

A New York Times story recently underscored South Carolina’s dominance in the production of the fuzzy fruit market. Though South Carolina clearly outgrows the Peach State, Georgia farmers say their warm nights make their fruit tastier.

Here are the key points from the New York Times:

2011 Production
South Carolina: 90,000 tons
Georgia: 40,000 tons

Total Acres
South Carolina: 17,000
Georgia: 14,000

Became State Fruit
South Carolina: 1984
Georgia: 1995

Certified Organic Growers
South Carolina: 1
Georgia: 0

Most Acres Planted
South Carolina: Red Globe
Georgia: Harvester