The Georgia Pecan Commission’s founder, Charles M. “Buddy” Leger, has been inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Leger was honored at the University of Georgia’s 58th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet in Athens last month. He received the award for his lifetime support of Georgia agriculture; and creating several Georgia commodity boards, including the Georgia Pecan Commission and expanding its markets.
A committee designated by the president of the University of Georgia Agricultural Alumni Association nominated and selected Leger. Criteria for the honor included impeccable character, outstanding leadership affecting Georgia agriculture and noteworthy contributions.
“This is certainly a humbling experience,” said Leger. “It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”
In 1995, Leger organized the creation of the Georgia Pecan Commission. Comprised of Georgia pecan growers with 30 acres or more of pecan-producing farmland, the commission funds research, educational and promotional programs to increase awareness and raise demand for Georgia pecans.
Leger also is the founding president of the National Watermelon Research and Promotion Board and former president of the following commodity organizations: Georgia Watermelon Association, National Watermelon Association, National Pecan Marketing Council and Georgia Pecan Growers Association. He also was selected to serve on Gov. Sonny Perdue’s Agricultural Advisory Committee. Leger currently sits on the executive council of the National Watermelon Association, the Georgia Community Rural Development Council, UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Advisory Council and the Upper Flint Regional Water Planning Council.
“Buddy Leger is a loyal advocate for Georgia commodities and we are proud that the commission’s founder has been recognized for his lifetime commitment and work,” said Duke Lane Jr., chairman of the Georgia Pecan Commission.
Historically, Georgia produces more pecans each year than any other state in the nation.
In the featured photo at top: The Georgia Pecan Commission’s founder, Charles M. “Buddy” Leger, left, recently was inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame.
