Aug 24, 2018

N.C. sweet potato industry awaits 2018 acreage totals

The Benson, North Carolina-based North Carolina SweetPotato Commission Inc. is a nonprofit corporation made up of over 400 sweet potato growers along with the packers, processors and business associates that support them. The sole purpose of the commission is to increase sweet potato consumption through education, promotional activities, research and honorable horticultural practices among its producers.

 The commission released the following statement:

“After experiencing a decrease in acreage in 2017, of about 10 pecent, North Carolina is looking forward to the 2018 crop as we begin harvest in the upcoming weeks. From recent field samples, our reputation for producing a premium product with year-round availability still stands. We, along with everyone else, eagerly await the confirmed acreage totals which will be available by mid-October.

As we begin to enter the fall harvest season, we are thankful for the farmers who produce our favorite vegetable. North Carolina sweet potato farmers work diligently so we can offer the world the best product on the market. Our farming families have faced, and learned to overcome, the same cyclical challenges that face many agricultural entities today, including unpredictable weather patterns, increasing labor and production costs, and cash flow obstacles. 

“The determination and desire to keep our shelves stocked and tables full only bolster the admiration and pride we have in our growers. The North Carolina drive is to meet the needs of consumers, worldwide, year-round.”