Johnny Barnes, president of Barnes Farming Corp., passed away at 61 due to complications from an illness. Known for his role in North Carolina's agricultural advancement, Barnes was instrumental in expanding the sweet potato industry's scope globally.
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A graduate from N.C. State University with a degree in agricultural economics in 1986, Barnes returned to Nash County, helping his father, Carson, in transforming their operation into an international supplier. Under his leadership, the company achieved the "Exporter of the Year" title from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture in 2009. By 2017, Barnes Farming deployed advanced technologies to reach markets in six countries.
Johnny Barnes was also a former president of the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute, promoting industry initiatives across several states, including Arkansas and Mississippi.
Reactions to his passing came swiftly, with Nash County GOP issuing condolences to his spouse, Senator Lisa Stone Barnes. Meanwhile, Lisa Barnes commemorated her husband's contributions on social media, hailing him as a quintessential North Carolina farmer and community leader.
Johnny is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. His daughter Jacy joined Barnes Farming/Farm Pak in 2023 to handle marketing and sustainability initiatives, while Josh has managed greenhouse transplants, sweet potato micropropagation, post-harvest storage of sweet potatoes and tobacco production and sales for the organization since 2018. His son, Josh Barnes, will succeed him in leadership, ensuring the continuity of the farm's mission.
Source: The Enterprise
