Autumn L. Campbell is a sales representative for Delta Blues Farms headquartered in Wynne, AR. The company was founded in November 2009 by Kim Matthews, who with her husband, Terris, owns Matthews Ridgeview Farms, a major sweet potato grower and marketer, also located in Wynne.

“In 2009, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Richard Bell called Kim to ask if she thought she could help growers at a sweet potato facility in Poplar Grove, Arkansas, to market their sweet potatoes,” explained Campbell. “The growers operating the facility had product, but they did not have the capacity to market and sell it. He even suggested that she consider taking it over.”

Matthews’ dexterity and knowledge of the sweet potato industry made her a perfect candidate for the job, and in November 2009 she leased the facility and renamed it Delta Blues Farms. Today the growing company handles marketing, packing and shipping for the growers — including her own acreage — that supply it. The operation has consistently improved due to her leadership, skills and knowledge of the sweet potato business.

Delta Blues Farms currently markets 500 acres of its own sweet potatoes, but it represents a total of 900 acres that support 12 farmers in Phillips County, eight of whom are minority farmers. Delta Blues Farms employs between 25 and 40 additional people, which also adds jobs to the local economy.

“We also work with the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff to assist under-resourced and minority growers to get started in specialty crop production,” said Campbell. “This is in an attempt to add more growers to the Delta Blues cooperative. Delta Blues handles all of the marketing, sales and technical support for the program.”

Matthews is also proud to say that Delta Blues Farms is operated totally by women.

“Kim feels that women are still a rarity in the fresh produce industry, and although she is young she has acquired extensive experience,” said Campbell. “She is sending a message to all women who work in the produce industry or who would like to. I work in sales from the Matthews Ridgeview office. Delta Blues Farms is also proud to be certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.”

WBENC’s three core values are certification, opportunities and resources. The foundation of its mission is to certify women-owned businesses. The organization strives to facilitate real-time business opportunities and serve as a resource to offer training that helps corporate members to grow their capacity.

Through Delta Blues Farms, Matthews has assisted the farmers in getting their produce Euro and GlobalGAP food-safety certified, as well as in selling their products to Walmart and Sam’s Club. She has also been involved in the local community and donates to food shelters and churches.

Delta Blues Farms’ customers are primarily small and large retail chain stores and big box stores. Its promotional message yells out “Delta Blues Sweet Potatoes: Healthy for the Heart and Soul.”

“We are a growing business with confidence in a lasting future,” said Campbell.