State nut

(a)(1) The pecan is the only edible nut native to North America and is this country’s most successful homegrown tree nut crop. It is known for its health benefits; scientists have discovered that pecans’ golden kernels are good for the heart, with antioxidants and cholesterol lowering effects. The pecan traces its origins back to the 16th century, and the name “pecan” is derived from the Native American word “pacane” that translates as “nut requiring a stone to crack.” (2) The domestication of the pecan is attributed in large part to a Louisiana plantation slave known as Antoine, a master gardener who developed a method of grafting that led to the birth of the commercial pecan industry. By 1920, Georgia was producing 2.5 million pounds of pecans; half a century later, the Georgia nut had grown so iconic that organizers for the 1996 Olympics crafted Muhammad Ali’s torch handle out of pecan wood. Pecan wood is also used for barbecuing, which is a Southern tradition. Pecans remained a local commodity for a long time, enjoyed mainly in the South, but global demand for them has skyrocketed in the last decade, including the emerging marketplace in China where nuts are considered a delicacy. In 2015, Georgia farmers produced 37 percent of pecans grown in the United States and, despite hurricanes and tariffs, Georgia continues to be regarded as the top pecan producing state, with over 170,000 acres planted and many more acres being planted every year. (3) Pecans can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or flavored and can be incorporated into gourmet cooking through countless recipes, such as pecan pie, pralines, brittle, and candies. Public recognition and demand for Georgia Grown branded products have increased significantly due in large part to the many Georgia Grown pecan growers and processors who promote this state’s homegrown products and agritourism sites. People throughout the nation and world associate Georgia with the pecan, and appropriate Georgia recognition of pecans will help promote tourism in the state. (b) The pecan is designated as the official Georgia state nut. History. Code 1981, § 50-3-91, enacted by Ga. L. 2021, p. 77, § 1/SB 222. Effective date. This Code section became effective July 1, 2021. 492 T.50, C.3, A.4 STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS 50-3-100 ARTICLE 4 OFFICIAL STATE LANGUAGE 50-3-100. English as official language; constitutional rights; documents in other languages; exceptions. (a) The English language is designated as the official language of the State of Georgia. The official language shall be the language used for each public record, as defined in Code Section 50-18-70, and each public meeting, as defined in Code Section 50-14-1, and for official Acts of the State of Georgia, including those governmental documents, records, meetings, actions, or policies which are enforceable with the full weight and authority of the State of Georgia. (b) This Code section shall not be construed in any way to deny a person’s rights under the Constitution of Georgia or the Constitution of the United States or any laws, statutes, or regulations of the United States or of the State of Georgia as a result of that person’s inability to communicate in the official language. (c) State agencies, counties, municipal corporations, and political subdivisions of this state are authorized to use or to print official documents and forms in languages other than the official language, at the discretion of their governing authorities. Documents filed or recorded with a state agency or with the clerk of a county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision must be in the official language or, if the original document is in a language other than the official language, an English translation of the document must be simultaneously filed. (d) The provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply: (1) When in conflict with federal law; (2) When the public safety, health, or justice requires the use of other languages; (3) To instruction designed to teach the speaking, reading, or writing of foreign languages; (4) To instruction designed to aid students with limited English proficiency in their transition and integration into the education system of the state; and (5) To the promotion of international commerce, tourism, sporting events, or cultural events. History. Code 1981, § 50-3-100, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1631, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 415, § 50. 493 50-3-100 STATE GOVERNMENT