William “Bill” D. Branch, a professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has been elected as Fellow for the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
Branch is the 17th UGA faculty member to receive this honor, which recognizes inventors whose innovations have had a significant impact on society, economic development, and quality of life.
“We’re proud to see another innovative UGA faculty member elected to the National Academy of Inventors,” said interim Vice President for Research Chris King. “Dr. Branch has made remarkable contributions to the agricultural industry, and his work in plant breeding underscores the significant impact UGA research continues to have around the globe.”
Branch’s groundbreaking work in peanut breeding has led to the development of more than 30 novel, licensed peanut varieties. His research has earned him accolades such as the National Peanut Buying Points Association Impact Award, the Innovator Award from the Georgia Peanut Commission, UGA’s Inventor of the Year Award in 1997, induction into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame, and even the nickname “godfather of peanuts.”
Georgia’s peanut industry contributes approximately $1.8 billion annually to Georgia’s economy. Branch’s cultivars account for 85% of the peanut acreage grown in Georgia and the southeast, bolstering Georgia’s position as the leading peanut-producing state. His two disease-resistant cultivars, Georgia Green and Georgia-O6G, have been credited with saving the southeastern U.S. peanut industry thanks to their resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
With over 30 U.S. Plant Variety Protection Certificates and multiple patents to his name, Branch’s innovations have generated more than $72 million in royalties for UGA, the most of any agriculture-related technology. All 30 of those varieties have been licensed and commercialized in the U.S., generating more than 500 non-exclusive license agreements.
Beyond his research, Branch has made significant contributions to academia, mentoring numerous students and publishing over 350 research papers, with more than 150 in refereed journals. He is a member of several esteemed professional organizations, including the American Peanut Research and Education Society, the American Society of Agronomy, Council of Agricultural Science and Technology, and the American Peanut Council.
Branch’s work exemplifies UGA’s land-grant mission, fostering collaboration with industry to address and solve real-world problems. His peanut breeding program is recognized as a leading example internationally.
Branch credited his family and faith for helping him throughout his career.
“I am truly honored to have been elected as an NAI Fellow,” he said. “It normally takes 10 to 20 years to develop a new peanut variety. Consequently, you have to be very patient to succeed. Any success I have obtained is all credit to my wife, Milla, and family for their continued support for all these years. Together with our Lord, we have been able to reach new heights.”
Branch will be officially inducted as an NAI Fellow on June 23 at the 14th Annual Conference in Atlanta.
