Sweet potato growers in North Carolina began harvesting at the end of last month, and early signs point to a good crop. That's good news for the state's growers, who are responsible for about half of the country's production, as increased interest in sweet potatoes has driven demand over the last few years.
“It used to be that the sweet potato was a seasonal commodity, only consumed during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” noted Ronnie Mercer with Wayne E. Bailey Produce Company in Chadburn, North Carolina. “Now, you can go to almost any steakhouse and get a sweet potato with your steak, and you see sweet potatoes in processed items like fries and purees.” In addition to the increasing use of sweet potatoes in processed foods, fresh sales are also on the rise.
“Movement is very substantial because consumers have become very health-conscious,” said Mercer. “Because sweet potatoes are a healthy item, consumer preferences have boosted the market, so consumption is growing every year.”
So far, the market has been steady with moderate supplies matching demand. On September 15, prices for a 40-pound carton of orange type U.S. No. 1 sweet potatoes from Louisiana, were between $16.00 and $18.00. Prices for a carton from Mississippi were between $17.00 and $19.00.
Mercer hopes North Carolina's season turns out well, and ample rain during the growing season, as well as warm weather, are two signs that suggest this year's crop will be a good one. Though he's still wary that inclement weather could render moot a great growing season.
“I think we'll have a really good crop in terms of yield and quality,” said Mercer. “Our biggest challenge is going to be to harvest our crop before the weather turns cool. We're also in the middle of hurricane season, and too much rain can cause the crop to sour in the field, so we're hoping there's an just an adequate amount of rain.”
For more information:
Ronnie Mercer
Wayne E. Bailey Produce Company
+1 910 654 5163