North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission elects 2026 officers, honors Dr. Craig Yencho

The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) elected a new slate of officers during its Annual Meeting held in Goldsboro and recognized outstanding contributions to the state’s sweet potato industry, according to a press release.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the 2026 NCSC Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Craig Yencho, honoring his service and impact on North Carolina sweet potato growers and the industry. The award recognizes individuals who have delivered exceptional service to the state’s sweetpotato sector. North Carolina remains the nation’s leading sweetpotato producing state.

Dr. Yencho was recognized for his extensive work in agricultural research. His contributions span the development of new cultivation techniques, advancements in pest management and the innovation of new sweetpotato varieties, according to the commission. These efforts have helped improve both yields and quality across North Carolina production.

Commission leaders emphasized Dr. Yencho’s collaborative approach, noting his ability to bridge research and real-world application. By working closely with growers, he has helped ensure that research outcomes translate into on-farm improvements, supporting sustainability, productivity, and long-term industry competitiveness. His work has had positive effects beyond the farm gate, benefiting local communities, the state economy and consumers nationwide.

In addition to the award presentation, the Commission announced the following leadership updates:

• Craig West of West Family Farms, who previously served as vice president, will serve as president.
• Brent Leggett of Leggett Farming Partnership was elected vice president
• Thomas Joyner of Nash Produce was re-elected to another term as secretary/treasurer.

The remaining members of the NCSC Board of Directors include Richard Anderson (Anderson Farms), Jose’ Pepe Calderon (Barnes Farming/FarmPak), Sarah Carraway (Lancaster Farms), Rob Glover (Rob Glover Farms), Kim LeQuire (Kornegay Family Farms & Produce), Annette Starling (Millstream Farms), Scott Sullivan (Sullivan Farms), Trey Wilson (Ham Farms), and Lyn Vick (Vick Family Farms).

Michelle Grainger, executive director of the NCSC, said the board is looking ahead to a successful year, with continued efforts focused on increasing sweet potato consumption and reinforcing North Carolina’s reputation as a dependable, high-quality, and consistent source of sweetpotatoes.