US (NC): Local businesswoman receives recognition
From L-R: NC Commissioner of Agriculture, Steve Troxler and NCSweetPotato Commission Executive Director, Sue Johnson-Langdon
The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission represents 450 sweet potato growers throughout the state and is headquartered in Benson, North Carolina. The objective of the Commission is to increase sweet potato consumption, both domestic and foreign, and promote the usage of good horticultural practices. These goals are accomplished through generic promotions, public relations, legislation, education, service and the dissemination of information. Since 1995, Sue has directed each of these goals at every level with integrity, dedication and zeal. The worldwide promotion of sweet potatoes began in 1989, when Sue became the first female board member of the North Carolina Yam Association (N.C. Sweet Potato Commission). In addition, Sue also serves as the Treasurer and Manager of the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute (ASPMI) that is solely devoted to expanding exports.
For more than 25 years, Sue Johnson-Langdon has been closely involved with the agricultural production and marketing of sweet potatoes. During Sue’s tenure, North Carolina’s annual sales have increased from $41.6 million to approximately $300 million. Furthermore, acreage has increased by 40,500 acres and weight has increased over 8 million pounds. In 1995, North Carolina represented only 3% of the U.S. sweet potato production, and today represents over 49% of all sweet potatoes grown in the United States.
Sue Johnson-Langdon has played a major role in establishing a continuously growing export market for sweet potatoes that is recognized in 17 foreign countries and throughout Europe. North Carolina has also become the leader in sweet potato research technology. Our farmers fund 15% of their annual assessments toward sweet potato research through NC State University and the Agriculture Research Service of United States Department of Agriculture. Food manufacturers and scientists from across the globe seek out the expertise of North Carolina’s scientific knowledge. The Commission also undertakes various grower management issues, which affects the sweet potato industry through current legislation/regulation, developing new sweet potato products, best management and horticultural/environmental practices; consulting with various federal, state and private agencies for the betterment of the sweet potato industry.
These remarkable achievements in the North Carolina sweet potato industry over the last decade can be attributed to the outstanding leadership of Sue Johnson-Langdon. Under her direction, North Carolina will continue advance in the sweet potato industry.
www.ncsweetpotatoes.com