2025 - Your Commission at Work

operations. Meeting every three weeks, this group reviews proposals from our PR agencies and other organizations, making recommendations that go to our Board of Directors for final approval. Their commitment is extraordinary, and we’re deeply grateful for their time and insight. Research: A Constant Priority Research continues to be a top priority—not only because our mission calls for it, but because your production leadership demands it. The challenges facing our industry are many, and they continue to evolve. Whether it’s production, harvest, shipment, or emerging threats, the Commission is committed to supporting researchers and institutions that ensure we stay ahead. One major initiative is our continued fight against Guava Root Knot Nematode (GRKN) . Thanks to a $5 million investment from the NC General Assembly more than two years ago, we’ve been able to fund critical research benefiting not just sweetpotatoes, but agriculture across our state. We are fortunate to partner with NC State University and Cooperative Extension to drive innovation and progress. We encourage you to read the research section of this issue, attend field days and production meetings, and participate in ongoing projects that rely on grower involvement. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office, members of the Research Committee, or Ann Gallagher , who now serves as our dedicated GRKN Research Project Manager . Ann is instrumental in ensuring that all GRKN research projects—those funded by the Commission and other commodity groups—are coordinated and maximized for collective benefit. Labor Advocacy: We Need Your Voice Finally, we ask for your support in one of the most critical areas facing our industry: labor . We recognize that this is your biggest expense, not to mention challenge and threat, and while we are doing everything we can to advocate on your behalf, we need your help to make sure our message is heard—and change is made. One way you can immediately assist is by completing the Sweetpotato Field Labor Wage Survey . This survey is vital to helping us collect the data needed to advocate effectively at the federal level. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet reached the threshold required for statistical validity to match Mississippi’s efforts—and until we do, our advocacy remains stalled. Please see page 13 for a QR code to complete the survey or contact our office to receive the link via email. Your participation is critical, and we thank you in advance for contributing to this essential effort. You and your families—and everyone you employ—are our “why.” Without you, there would be no Commission. On behalf of our office and everyone who supports our work, thank you for the sacrifices you make to produce one of the world’s most nutritious, affordable, and versatile superfoods.

It is our honor and privilege to represent and advocate on your behalf. We are proud to serve the sweetest industry of all.

With gratitude,

Michelle Grainger Executive Director North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

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