2023 Assessment Newsletter

Letter from the President The board of directors of the NC Sweetpotato Commission is committed to promoting North Carolina Sweetpotatoes as the premiere sweetpotato on the market, as well as supporting our members in efforts to maintain our state’s number one ranking in sweetpotato production. A title that we have held year-over-year, since 1971. Formed in 1961, the Commission’s purpose is promoting why the North Carolina sweetpotato is different from others. This promotion includes educating consumers and buyers of our commitment to ensuring they have access to our great product. Through these marketing efforts our goal is to increase consumption of sweetpotatoes and represent our members. The Commission also promotes research work for the purpose of discovering and developing new varieties, methods of production, handling, curing, storing, processing marketing and disease and insect control and to promote through advertising, service work, education, merchandising, tours and other means meant to drive the consumption of sweetpotatoes. Highlighting our industry’s commitment to certified seed usage is equally important in our messages to the retail buyer as well as the consumer. Through its 62 years, the NCSPC has seen many changes; annual acreage fluctuations from 19,000 to 106,000 acres, at its highest. Assessments have gone from 2¢ per bushel fresh (1¢ per bushel canners) in 1961 to the current $15 per planted acre; the assessment rate since 1995. Change is necessary to keep pushing ahead to reach the goals set forth in our charter and to remain as the U.S. leader in sweetpotato production. We are utilizing your assessment dollars to help strengthen the industry by promoting the North Carolina sweetpotato in unique ways to make the largest impact. Achieving our mission takes many hands. You are served by a board of directors, as well as many committees, each of whom have my sincere thanks for their time and input to help us strengthen the commission. As the old adage says: “Many hands make light work”. We have tremendous power in the size of our membership, and tremendous talent waiting to be used. I would like to encourage anyone who has the passion to serve our industry on a committee, to let us know of your willingness to serve by completing our NCSPC volunteer survey found by scanning this QR code. Likewise, you can call the commission office at 919-894-1067 and speak with one of the staff members. It takes all of us working together to be the best we can be. Brent Leggett NCSPC Board President

5