“North Carolina produces over 60% of the U.S. sweetpotato supply, leading national innovation in sustainable agriculture.”
North Carolina Sweetpotato Industry: 2025 Innovation & Impact Leaders
As we examine the dynamic landscape of North Carolina’s agriculture in 2025, the north carolina sweetpotato industry emerges as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and economic prowess. Our state has long held its position as the nation’s leading sweetpotato producer, a distinction built on decades of hard work, exceptional leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Recently, notable figures such as Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC), Linwood Scott III, co-owner of Scott Farms, and Linwood Vick, partner and general manager of Vick Family Farms, were recognized as 2025 Innovation & Impact Leaders in Business North Carolina’s Power List.
Their visionary leadership has propelled North Carolina not just to the top of the sweetpotato charts, but into a new era of agriculture innovation nc and sustainable farming in north carolina. In this comprehensive report, we explore the latest trends shaping the industry, analyze the profound economic impact of agriculture nc, and highlight how technology and industry leaders are setting new standards for the future.
North Carolina Sweetpotato Industry Overview
North Carolina—a state synonymous with agricultural excellence—continues to dominate the sweetpotato sector. Our diverse farmlands, spanning thousands of acres across the eastern part of the state, yield more than two-thirds of the nation’s total sweetpotatoes. The robust support system comprising growers, packers, processors, and dedicated associates has made the north carolina sweetpotato industry a cornerstone of the north carolina agricultural economy.
With over 300 active sweetpotato growers and a thriving community of agribusinesses, we see the fruits of their labor make a driving contribution of over $375 million to our state’s economy in 2025—an enduring testament to their innovative approaches.
Quick Facts: Sweetpotato Production Statistics
- Over 60% of all U.S. sweetpotatoes are produced in North Carolina.
- 9,000+ acres are operated by Vick Family Farms alone.
- Scott Farms manages over 4,500 acres dedicated to sweetpotato cultivation.
- The NC Sweetpotato Commission supports more than 300 growers, packers, and processors.
“In 2025, North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry is projected to exceed $375 million in economic impact.”
2025 Innovation & Impact Leaders Driving the North Carolina Sweetpotato Industry
Each year, Business North Carolina’s Power List shines a spotlight on the individuals whose impact is shaping the world of agriculture in North Carolina. The 2025 Agriculture Honorees represent a powerful cross-section of leadership, innovation, and community advancement within the sweetpotato industry. Let us highlight the profiles, achievements, and benchmarks established by these outstanding leaders.
Profiles of North Carolina’s Impact Leaders
Michelle Grainger – Executive Director, North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC)
- Role: Executive Director
- Team & Mission: Represents over 300 growers and a network of packers, processors, and associates contributing to sector growth.
- Achievements: Credited with transformative marketing initiatives and educational promotion, driving nationwide consumer recognition of North Carolina sweetpotatoes.
- Impact: Elevated public understanding and appreciation, helping the state maintain its industry leadership.
Linwood Scott III – Co-owner, Scott Farms
- Role: Co-owner of a sixth-generation family business
- Acres Managed: Over 4,500 acres
- Approach: Focuses on quality, innovation, and sustainability in every aspect of farm management.
- Legacy: Led Scott Farms to become a model of environmental stewardship in farming and technological adoption.
Linwood Vick – Partner & General Manager, Vick Family Farms
- Role: Partner and General Manager
- Acres Managed: Over 9,000 acres
- Achievements: Expanded operations, earned Farm Family of the Year and National Young Farmer of the Year awards.
- Impact: A benchmark in both scale and sustainable farming in North Carolina.
Their collective leadership and dedication have not only maintained but advanced the benchmarks that define the north carolina sweetpotato industry today.
Industry Leaders: Innovations & Impact Metrics Table
| Leader/Organization Name | Innovation/Initiative | Estimated Year of Implementation | Estimated Impact Metric | Contribution to Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle Grainger / NCSC | Nationwide Sweetpotato Promotion Campaign | 2022-2025 | 15% boost in consumer awareness nationally | Support for growers adopting sustainable marketing and farming practices |
| Linwood Scott III / Scott Farms | Precision Agriculture & Technology Adoption | 2023 | 10% increase in yield/acre via data-driven management | Major shift to resource-efficient, environmentally-conscious production |
| Linwood Vick / Vick Family Farms | Expansion of Sustainable Farmland Operations | 2024 | +500 acres converted to regenerative agriculture | Measured reduction of farm carbon output and soil improvement |
| North Carolina Sweetpotato Growers (300+) | Collaborative Research & Best Practice Sharing | 2022-2025 | Increased state yield by 8% | Wide-scale adoption of soil conservation and water management strategies |
| NCSC & Marketing Agencies | Consumer Education Initiatives | Ongoing | 12% rise in US domestic consumption | Improved public perception of sustainable North Carolina agriculture |
Key Agriculture Innovation Trends in North Carolina
Our journey through the north carolina sweetpotato industry in 2025 is guided by advancements that set new benchmarks for excellence, productivity, and sustainability. From the adoption of precision agriculture and AI analytics to the integration of blockchain for traceability, innovation is at the heart of our community’s efforts.
- Precision Agriculture: Data-driven monitoring and management drive smarter irrigation, targeted fertilization, and precise pest control—raising yields while minimizing waste.
- Technology-Driven Promotion: Ncsc’s marketing agencies leverage digital campaigns and analytics to reach new consumers, strengthening brand loyalty.
- Blockchain Traceability: The adoption of blockchain-based traceability solutions ensures food safety, quality, and transparency across the sweetpotato supply chain.
- Environmental Data & Carbon Management: Industry leaders increasingly use platforms like Farmonaut’s carbon footprinting to quantify, track, and reduce farming’s greenhouse emissions.
- Fleet and Resource Optimization: For operations spanning thousands of acres, fleet management tools ensure agricultural machinery usage is efficient, reducing costs and supporting sustainability in farming.
- Loan & Insurance Verification: Satellite-based field verification from services such as Farmonaut improves access to financing and reduces fraud, benefitting the entire value chain.
Emergent Best Practices in Sweetpotato Farming
- Soil Health: Increased use of multispectral analysis and soil monitoring, as promoted by Farmonaut, empowers data-driven crop and resource management.
- Water Efficiency: AI-based advisory helps producers tailor irrigation to actual field needs.
- Resource Optimization: Waste is minimized through real-time mapping, yield predictions, and pest outbreak alerts.
Explore more about optimized plantation management at our large scale farm management page.
Sustainable Farming in North Carolina: Principles, Progress, and Promise
At the core of the north carolina sweetpotato industry’s success lies a strong commitment to sustainability. Our leaders understand that protecting our local environment is inseparable from long-term profitability and community prosperity. The consistent conversion of conventional farmland to sustainable, regenerative practices marks North Carolina as a model for the nation.
- Environmental Stewardship in Farming: By adopting cover cropping, conservation tillage, and precise fertilizer management, farmers actively reduce erosion, improve soil fertility, and shrink their carbon footprint—a trend accelerated through robust support from the commission and technology partners.
- Farmers Promoting Sustainability: Awards and recognition for leaders like Linwood Vick and Scott III highlight the importance of farmers promoting sustainability at both local and national levels.
- Community Impact: Sustainability initiatives enhance farm viability, ensure food security, and create economic opportunity for generations to come.
Economic Impact of Agriculture in NC: Sweetpotatoes and Beyond
Agriculture is the lifeblood of North Carolina’s economy. The sweetpotato sector’s impressive scale is matched only by its economic returns. Our chronicled contribution of over $111 billion from agriculture to the state’s GDP is underpinned by continued investment in innovation, staff training, and community development, driven by visionary individuals and organizations.
- $375M+ Estimated 2025 economic impact from the sweetpotato industry alone
- Over 170,000 jobs supported by agriculture in North Carolina
- 500+ recognized industry leaders shaping the future across 17 sectors
Through their innovative approaches, our agriculture leaders ensure that North Carolina remains a leader in both productivity and sustainable economic development.
How Farmonaut Supports Sustainable Agriculture Innovation in NC
Our ability to innovate depends on access to advanced technology and reliable data. Farmonaut, an agricultural technology provider, plays a strategic role by offering satellite-powered farm management solutions, real-time crop health monitoring, and blockchain-based supply chain verification.
These tools deliver critical insights to every stakeholder in the North Carolina sweetpotato industry—from individual farmers striving to maximize yield and quality, to agribusinesses overseeing thousands of acres. Leveraging Farmonaut’s technology, users can:
- Access large-scale farm management features for efficient operations and precise resource allocation.
- Utilize AI-powered advisory systems for personalized insights based on satellite data, ensuring data-driven decision-making at every stage of sweetpotato production.
- Track environmental metrics—such as carbon outputs—to support compliance and eco-friendly farming, leveraging Farmonaut’s carbon footprinting services.
- Enable traceability to guarantee the authenticity and safety of sweetpotato products, supporting transparency from farm to plate.
With scalable solutions and flexible subscription models, Farmonaut enables both small- and large-scale producers to benefit from precision technology without high upfront investment.
Farmonaut Subscription Options
To ensure access to robust, affordable farm technology, Farmonaut offers flexible plans—find real-time pricing below:
Sweetpotato Farming Practices & Production Statistics in North Carolina
North Carolina’s farmers are recognized for adopting innovative sweetpotato farming practices that blend tradition with modern science. The resulting improvements in efficiency, quality, and sustainability are evident in the state’s continued dominance of the sector.
Best Practices
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Reduces inputs by tracking real-time crop health and outbreaks using satellite and AI-based monitoring.
- Soil Analysis & Fertility Management: Optimizes yields by balancing nutrients and organic matter, addressing field-specific needs.
- Water Conservation: Laser-guided and moisture-sensor-driven irrigation limits runoff and conserves resources, lowering environmental impact.
- Rotation & Cover Cropping: Preserves soil health, prevents disease build-up, and enhances long-term productivity.
Sweetpotato Production Statistics for 2025
- Estimated Acreage: Over 95,000 acres statewide dedicated to sweetpotatoes.
- Commercial Operations: Over 300 professional growers, supported by extensive packer and processor networks.
- Yield Efficiency: Ongoing improvements forecast a 10% boost in yield per acre through advanced technology and research adoption.
The north carolina sweetpotato industry benefits significantly from ongoing collaboration, research, and information sharing—a system championed by leaders and the NCSC Commission.
Technology, Tools, and How to Access Farmonaut Solutions
Everyone in North Carolina’s agricultural sector, from small sweetpotato farmers to large enterprises, can access Farmonaut’s leading-edge solutions quickly:
For developers and organizations, APIs enable seamless integration of satellite- and weather-based analytics, farm health insights, and traceability:
Discover additional features and detailed product information at:
- Large Scale Farm Management: Agro Admin App – Manage multi-field, multi-crop operations, monitor fleet, and ensure complete resource optimization.
- Carbon Footprinting – Track, report, and minimize your farm’s carbon output.
- Blockchain-Based Traceability – Guarantee produce authenticity and gain consumer trust with transparent farm-to-fork records.
- Crop Loan & Insurance Verification – Fast-track financing and insurance with satellite verification for every field.
- Fleet Management Tools – Manage agricultural equipment, reduce downtime, lower operational costs, and promote workplace safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): North Carolina Sweetpotato Industry
Why is North Carolina the leading state for sweetpotato production?
North Carolina benefits from unique climate conditions, rich soil, and a passionate community of over 300 growers, supported by dedicated organizations like the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission. Continuous investment in innovation, best practices, and technology ensures the state remains at the forefront of sweetpotato farming.
How does the industry impact the state’s economy?
The sweetpotato sector contributes over $375 million to the state economy and plays a vital part in the broader $111 billion agricultural GDP. It sustains thousands of jobs, drives rural prosperity, and promotes export strength.
What are some sustainable farming practices adopted in North Carolina?
Leading farmers use integrated pest management, precise irrigation, cover cropping, soil conservation, and data-driven insights to reduce waste, conserve resources, and maintain long-term soil health.
How is technology driving innovation in the industry?
Tools like satellite crop health monitoring, blockchain traceability, automated fleet and resource management, and AI-powered analytics (as offered by Farmonaut) streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure transparency from field to consumer.
Where can I find updates or resources for growers and industry associates?
The latest news, resources, and industry updates are available through the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission website or by contacting them at +1 (919) 894-1067.
Conclusion: The Future of North Carolina’s Sweetpotato Industry
In 2025, the north carolina sweetpotato industry shines as an international standard-bearer for innovation, community impact, and sustainable farming. Our leaders—Michelle Grainger, Linwood Scott III, and Linwood Vick—have set new benchmarks, enabling us all to thrive through change and opportunity.
With the support of advanced platforms like Farmonaut and united efforts across the value chain, North Carolina continues driving agricultural excellence, ensuring our farmlands, farmers, and communities will flourish for generations to come.
Ready to transform your sweetpotato operation? Access cutting-edge farm technology, promote sustainability, and stay ahead—get started with Farmonaut today.
