NC Sweetpotato Commission Honors Craig Yencho with Distinguished Service

Benson, North Carolina — At their Annual Meeting held in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the NC Sweetpotato Commission elected a new slate of officers.

Each year the board of directors has the privilege of selecting a recipient of the NC Sweetpotato Commission Distinguished Service Award. This award is to be presented to an individual (or individuals) who has rendered outstanding service to North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry. For his contribution to the NC Sweetpotato Industry, Commission and its growers, the 2026 Distinguished Service Award was proudly presented to Dr. Craig Yencho.

Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Dr. Yencho has provided invaluable knowledge and innovation to sweetpotato growers across the state. His leadership in developing improved cultivation techniques, advancing pest and disease management strategies, and—most notably—his role in the pioneering breeding work that produced the Covington sweetpotato variety and reshaped modern sweetpotato production, has had a lasting impact on the industry.

The Covington variety set a new standard for yield, quality, flavor and texture consistency as well as shelf-stability, helping transform North Carolina’s sweetpotato production and strengthening its position in both domestic and global markets. The Covington variety is recognized as the #1 varietal line in the US, planted by over 90% of all NC acreage and since introduction has been valued at over $5 billion in farm receipts.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the hand-in-hand work with growers. Recognizing that success in agriculture depends not just on research but on practical, on-the-ground collaboration, Dr. Yencho has bridged the gap between the laboratory and the field. Through his research North Carolina farmers have gained access to cutting-edge resources that directly improve crop yields, enhance sustainability, and ensure that our state remains the sweetpotato capital of the world. And through this collaboration, we continue to see the positive ripple effects of his work—not only for growers, but also for the community, the economy, and the consumers who enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Other Items to Note from the Meeting:

1. Craig West of West Family Farms, who served as the 2024 Vice-President was re-elected to another term, and this year as President.  

2. Brent Leggettof Leggett Farming Partnership, elected to the seat of Vice-President.

3. Thomas Joyner of Nash Produce was selected to serve another term as Secretary/Treasurer.  The remaining NCSC Board of Directors include: 

– Richard Anderson, Anderson Farms
– Jose’ Pepe Calderon, Barnes Farming/FarmPak
– Sarah Carraway, Lancaster Farms
–  Rob Glover, Rob Glover Farms
– Kim LeQuire, Kornegay Family Farms & Produce
– Annette Starling, Millstream Farms
– Scott Sullivan, Sullivan Farms
– Trey Wilson – Ham Farms
– Lyn Vick, Vick Family Farms.

“Our Board is looking forward to a successful sweet year,” remarks Michelle Grainger, Executive Director of the NCSC. “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,” concludes Grainger.

About the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission 
Founded in 1961 the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is a nonprofit corporation made up of over 300 sweetpotato producers, along with the packers and business associates that support them. NCSC is committed to supporting its growers and increasing sweetpotato consumption through education, promotional activities, research, and honorable horticultural practices among its producers.   

Did you know… Sweetpotato is one word? Details can be found here.  

For more information on videos or content and for delicious recipes, visit www.ncsweetpotatoes.com