The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission says Gov. Josh Stein’s proclaimed February 2025 as “North Carolina Sweetpotato Month” to recognize and celebrate the sweetpotato’s deep-rooted significance in the state’s agricultural industry, economy and cultural farming heritage.
The commission said this proclamation reaffirms state’s status as the nation’s leading sweetpotato producer since 1971, growing more sweetpotatoes than all other states combined. The industry supports thousands of agricultural workers, hundreds of farmers and processors and agribusiness across the state with its economic impact of over $298 million.
North Carolina’s unique climate and fertile soil have made it the ideal home for sweetpotato farming for over a century, the commission said. Scientific advancements, such as the covington variety developed by North Carolina State University researchers, have further strengthened the industry.
The commission said Stein’s proclamation highlights the importance of continued farmland conservation to sustain the historic and vital industry.
In celebration of National Sweetpotato Month and North Carolina Sweetpotato Month, the commission awarded Tommy Batts with its 2025 Billy Little Award for Outstanding Service to the Sweetpotato Industry, according to a news release. Established in 2023, the Billy Little Award recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to the success of North Carolina’s sweetpotato growers.
This year’s honoree, Tommy Batts, has been an integral part of the agricultural community since joining as a county horticulture agent in 2017, the commission said. He holds multiple degrees from North Carolina State University, Louisiana State University and the University of Florida, bringing extensive knowledge and experience to the industry, according to the release.
Batts has worked as a field research assistant at North Carolina State University and BASF, as well as a graduate assistant at Louisiana State University, developing strong relationships with agricultural leaders across the country, the release said. His recent accolades include the NC Beekeepers Educator of the Year Award and the Achievement Award from the Ag Agents Association. The commission said Batts’ work has been instrumental in finding solutions for the guava root-knot nematode, a major challenge for sweetpotato producers.
“Billy [Little’s] dedicated his extension career to helping sweetpotato farmers improve yield and quality,” said Norman Harrell, county extension director for N.C. Cooperative Extension. “Tommy is following in his footsteps, particularly with his efforts to find solutions for the guava root-knot nematode. Wilson County is very proud of Tommy and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor.”
