In the heart of Louisiana, where gumbo simmers and Cajun melodies fill the air, there’s a hidden gem that’s been quietly weaving itself into the fabric of the local lifestyle for generations—the pecan. Meet Jady Regard, the proud owner and self-proclaimed “CNO” (Chief Nut Officer) of Cane River Pecan. Regard’s passion for pecans is as big as the Louisiana sky, and he’s on a quest to make sure everyone knows why this humble nut is deserving of its new title of Official State Nut.

“Pecans are the only North American indigenous tree nut,” Regard tells us. “The pecan is uniquely American.” Regard affectionately dubs the pecan “the Official First Snack of America.” He laughs, saying, “It even comes in its own packaging!”

After all, this nut has been around forever, dating back to the days when Native Americans roamed the land, following the pecan’s migration patterns. To Louisiana, the pecan is more than just a nut; it’s a way of life.

In 1969, Regard’s family got into the pecan business, setting the stage for his lifelong affair with the nut. At nine years old, Regard and his brothers began a pecan-cracking company, fittingly named “The Nutcrackers,” which took him through college. Meanwhile, Regard’s mom handled the business side of things and even started a mail-order division.

Fast forward to 2002, when Jady returned to Louisiana from Chicago, determined to carry on the family’s pecan legacy. He took the reins of Cane River Pecan Company and has been running the show ever since. The company specializes in direct-to-consumer retail of pecans and has grown into one of the largest gifting pecan companies, sharing the Louisiana pecan love globally.

Proposal of LA HB368

Before the 2023 Regular Session, the Pecan Growers of Louisiana Association contacted Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria to tell him there was no official state nut. Knowing Regard’s affiliation with pecans, Representative Harris reached out, and Regard was delighted to be part of the process.

Regard testified in Baton Rouge, passionately speaking on behalf of the pecan. He made the rounds, charming the usually serious House and Senate members with his pecan knowledge and demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between the nut and the state. “Louisiana played a vital role in promoting the pecan industry in the USA,” Regard explains. “Antoine, a slave gardener at Oak Alley Plantation in 1840, was the first to cultivate the pecan, grafting branches to create improved pecan trees. This set off a pecan frenzy, with nurserymen and German immigrants jumping on the pecan tree bandwagon and planting them along the Gulf South. The Port of Orleans even helped export pecans to other states up the river.”

LA HB369 passed unanimously, and Governor Edwards signed it into law. “Of course, the official state nut bill wasn’t signed with just any pen,” Regard teases. “I brought with me a pen made from a prominent pecan tree that once stood beside George Washington’s house in Mount Vernon. This historic pecan pen sealed the deal, and Louisiana had its official state nut.”

For Regard, having the pecan as the official state nut is more than a feather in his cap. “It’s a cool thing,” he muses. “We have such a rich culinary history, and now we can work with chefs to incorporate the state nut into their dishes. It shines a light on our industry in a small but meaningful way.”

Proclaiming the pecan as the official state nut is just one check on Regard’s list of honoring the shelled snack. “We are in the process of opening a pecan museum that will help boost the economy, right along with the Tabasco industry.” Later this month, Cane River will host its first Pecan Pie Festival, so check their Facebook for registration details.

“My next pecan crusade will be to get a pecan emoji,” Regard laughs. “And after that, maybe pass another bill on the proper way to pronounce pecan!”

It’s puh-kahn, by the way.

Officially Louisiana

State Bird: The Brown Pelican

State Dog: Catahoula

State Flower: Magnolia

Musical Instrument: Diatonic Accordion

Drink: Milk

State Songs: “Give Me Louisiana” (Doralise Fontane) & “You Are My Sunshine” (Jimmie Davis)

State Mammal: Black Bear

State Fruit: Strawberry