Governor Josh Stein proclaims February ’North Carolina Sweetpotato Month’ in recognition of the product’s significance to the state
The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is celebrating governor Josh Stein’s official proclamation of February 2025 as ’North Carolina Sweetpotato Month’.
The move recognised the sweet potato’s deep-rooted significance in the state’s agricultural industry, economy, and cultural farming heritage.
According to the commission, the proclamation reaffirmed North Carolina’s status as the nation’s leading sweet potato producer since 1971, growing more of the product than all other US states combined.
With an economic impact of over US$298mn, the industry supports thousands of agricultural workers, hundreds of farmers, processors, and agribusinesses across the state.
“We are so proud to see the significance of sweetpotatoes for North Carolina recognised at such a high level,” said Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission.
”Here at the commission, we are passionate about our orange superfood; not only how delicious it is but how it offers a multitude of health benefits.
”There is a great significance at a wider level, with our state cultivating 60 per cent of the US supply of sweetpotatoes,” she noted.
”We look forward to celebrating North Carolina Sweetpotato Month going forwards.”
As celebrations marking Sweetpotato Month in North Carolina came to an end, the commission extended its ”deepest gratitude” to all those who contributed to the success of the state’s signature crop and official vegetable.
”Governor Josh Stein’s recognition of the industry signals a promising future for North Carolina and for everyone who enjoys its sweetpotato exports,” the commission stated.
Founded in 1961, the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is a group made up of over 300 sweet potato growers, packers, processers and agribusiness associates.
