“The department coordinates the pavilion to increase awareness and sales of North Carolina produce,” said Kevin Hardison, a longtime agricultural marketing specialist for the organization. “The growers develop and maintain contact with buyers from across the world at this show.”

Michele Roberts will be representing NCDA&CS at the show and she will be joined by representatives from American Blueberries, Ham Farms, NC Ports, Triple J Farms, New Sprout Farms, Bottomley’s Evergreens and Hampton Farms. “Our booth designs are simple, where visitors can pull up a chair and speak with the many representatives of our industry,” Hardison said. “Hampton Farms will have a special guest, Peanut Pete, and typically has samples of its new products.”

 Since the show is one of the largest in the country, those attending hope to visit with many of the buyers that do business in North Carolina and look for more ways to connect with the ever-changing industry.

“Keeping up with latest trends in all the areas of agriculture and personnel turnover in major players always helps our growers to be the industry leaders in growing and distributing fresh produce around the world,” Hardison said.

There’s a lot going on in the industry that the department is keeping an eye on.

“As always, our goals are to aid our growers in meeting their needs to be successful in their business. We do that through constant industry involvement and promotional campaigns throughout the state and country,” Hardison said. “Going into the fall, as with any grower, sights are set on the next growing season.”

Potatoes are one area that the department is keeping a close on.

Retail potato sales increased by 2.3 percent during the July 2024-June 2025 marketing year, reflecting “sustained consumer demand for this versatile, nutrient-dense vegetable,” according to Potatoes USA.

These sales volume increases were driven by fresh, frozen and deli-prepared sides categories, which increased by 2.6 percent, 3.7 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively, the national industry marketing group said. Overall, US Potato sales totaled nearly 15.3 billion pounds in fresh weight equivalent, with the biggest categories being chips at more than 5.4 billion, fresh at more than 5.2 billion and frozen at more than 2.6 billion.

Matthew Luks, executive director of the NC Potato Association, noted big topics are dominated by continuing glances to the tariff changes and opening and closing of markets, especially in Asia.

“There are opportunities arising for potato sales to Central America, Africa and the Middle East as well,” he said. “There is focus on aligning the U.S. potato industry as a single voice through sign-on opportunities with other national potato organizations to ensure our voice is heard in the Farm Bill via our advocates with the National Potato Council and Potatoes USA.”

The NC Potato Association is coming up on its 100 year anniversary in 2028 and growers are looking toward the future of the industry in the state, while reflecting on the heritage and legacy of the potato industry.

“We have some great opportunities with our partnerships with the NC Department of Agriculture, Potatoes USA, the National Potato Council and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, to really delve into what it is that makes our potato program here in North Carolina a special one, and that is our short burst of a season that so many chip and table stock markets rely on,” Luks said. “Continuing to adapt to environmental change and demonstrating resiliency in our industry is what makes our state great. We are excited for these partnerships and use them to continuously improve our product and our markets.”