Fewer acres of sweet potatoes planted in North Carolina

The low prices for sweet potatoes in the retail market means that growers have planted less acreage this year. “There has been a 10% decrease in actual planted acreage”, says Steven Ceccarelli of Farm Fresh Produce. He says there was over 100,000 acres planted last year and only between 80,000 and 90,000 this year.

Farm Fresh Produce harvest from yesterday (Sept 11th) before forecasted rainfall from Hurricane Irma reaches North Carolina

The price and demand for sweet potatoes in the industry/process market is, on the other hand, very attractive. “This has caused a lot of growers to choose to grow for the industry/process market. The practice of using less in the way of pesticides means lower input costs for growers.” This has, according to Steven, been a further incentive for sweet potato farmers to grow for the industry/process market.

Farm Fresh Produce harvest from yesterday (Sept 11th) before forecasted rainfall from Hurricane Irma reaches North Carolina

“Thus far, we have had a very good growing season here in North Carolina”, he says. He added that this, of course, all depends on the weather. Farm Fresh Produce started harvesting last week but have had to halt due to the rain.

“We are a little concerned, as there high chances of residual effect of rain coming our way due to Hurricane Irma”, says Steven.

Farm Fresh Produce harvest from yesterday (Sept 11th) before forecasted rainfall from Hurricane Irma reaches North Carolina

North Carolina is not in the direct path of the hurricane, but could still be affected by its weather conditions as the storm's diameter ranges over 640 km.

“Even if we experience heavy rainfall, we will yield a promising crop to supply our committed, quality driven customer base,” said Steven Ceccarelli.

For more information:

Steven Ceccarelli
Farm Fresh Produce Inc.
Tel: +1 910 920 9871
Toll Free Phone (USA & Canada): +1 800 606 9267
steven@farm-fresh-produce.com
www.farm-fresh-produce.com