The Georgia Peanut Commission and the Georgia Bankers Association are joining together this month for the 40th year to promote one of Georgia top cash crops — peanuts.

The 40th annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week is scheduled for Oct. 17-21. Local banks and financial institutions across the state will honor Georgia’s peanut farmers and their contribution made to the state and local economies during one of the biggest times of the year — the annual peanut harvest.

This year’s theme, “In Georgia, Money Grows on Vines — Peanut Vines,” will showcase the importance of Georgia’s official state crop. Georgia peanut farmers contribute approximately $1.3 billion annually to the state and local economy to help maintain Georgia’s largest industry — agriculture.

The theme will also highlight the National Peanut Board’s campaign “The Perfectly Powerful Peanut,” a platform showcasing the nutritional benefits of peanuts.

Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, said he was excited about the opportunity for GPC to work with banks and promote one of nature’s most nutritious products.

“This is the 40th year we have held a special salute to farmers in cooperation with financial institutions,” Morris said. “We have a great nutritional message to share with consumers and we hope by incorporating peanuts into their diet, they will feel the power peanuts have to offer.”

Peanuts rank among the top five cash crops in the state, which produced 1.64 billion pounds of the legumes in 2008. Georgia growers produce about 45 percent of the nation’s peanut crop each year, and about half of the peanuts grown in the U.S. are used in peanut butter.

According to the University of Georgia Extension Service, an acre of peanuts can make enough of the crop for 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches. Americans eat 2.4 million pounds of peanut butter a year, enough for 10 billion peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Peanuts, recipe cards and other promotional material will be available during the week of Oct. 17-21 at participating financial institutions. For more information, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at www.gapeanuts.com.