The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission presented its Distinguished Service Award to Craig Yencho and elected new officers to its board of directors during its annual meeting, held in Goldsboro, N.C. The commission announced the results Jan. 20.
The commission says its Distinguished Service Award is to be presented to those who have rendered outstanding service to North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry. Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Yencho has contributed invaluable knowledge to sweetpotato growers across the state. Whether it’s through developing new cultivation techniques, improving pest management practices, or innovating new varieties, the efforts have significantly boosted both the quality and quantity of sweetpotatoes produced in North Carolina, the commission says.
The commission also notes Yencho’s hand-in-hand work with growers has been remarkable, stressing how his work to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the field has been invaluable. Through his research, North Carolina farmers have gained access to cutting-edge resources that directly improve crop yields, enhance sustainability and ensure the state remains the sweetpotato capital of the world, according to the commission.
Officers were also elected to the board. These include:
- Craig West of West Family Farms, president
- Brent Leggett of Leggett Farming Partnership, vice president
- Thomas Joyner of Nash Produce, secretary/treasurer
- Richard Anderson of Anderson Farms
- Jose’ Pepe Calderon of Barnes Farming/FarmPak
- Sarah Carraway of Lancaster Farms
- Rob Glover of Rob Glover Farms
- Kim LeQuire of Kornegay Family Farms & Produce
- Annette Starling of Millstream Farms
- Scott Sullivan of Sullivan Farms
- Trey Wilson of Ham Farms
- Lyn Vick of Vick Family Farms
“Our board is looking forward to a successful sweet year,” says Michelle Grainger, the commission’s executive director. “Looking ahead, the industry is optimistic that our efforts will help push consumption and position our state as a dependable and reliable source — known for its quality and consistency.”
