BENSON, NC - The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) executive director, Michelle Grainger, alongside Linwood Scott III, Co-owner of Scott Farms, and Linwood Vick, Partner and General Manager of Vick Family Farms, have been named in the NC 2025 Business Power List as Agriculture Honorees. Their leadership and contributions to North Carolina's agriculture industry have set benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

Business North Carolina’s 2025 Power List recognizes approximately 500 of the state’s most influential leaders across 17 sectors, including agriculture. The selection is based on editorial research, public nominations, and interviews, highlighting individuals shaping North Carolina’s future.

Michelle Grainger, executive director of the NCSC, represents over 300 growers, as well as the packers, processors, and business associates that support them. Grainger attributes the Commission’s collective team of dedicated staff and marketing agencies to the numerous successful promotion initiatives that have further educated consumers on just how special the NC sweetpotato is and why over two-thirds of the Nation’s total sweetpotatoes come from this state.

Scott III continues the legacy of quality and sustainability at Scott Farms, a sixth-generation family business. The company has grown to become one of the leading producers of sweet potatoes with over 4,500 acres in North Carolina. Linwood’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship has positioned Scott Farms as a model of excellence in modern agriculture.

Vick, partner and general manager of Vick Family Farms, has over 9,000 acres of farmland. His leadership has not only expanded Vick Family Farms’ operations but also earned the N.C. Farm Family of the Year and National Young Farmer of the Year awards.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among North Carolina’s agricultural leaders. At the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, we remain committed to supporting our farmers and promoting the economic importance of sweetpotatoes for our state,” said Grainger in a recent press release.

The honorees’ dedication to North Carolina's agricultural sector has been instrumental in driving the $111 billion contribution to the state’s economy, showing the true importance of sweetpotatoes in the state’s economy. Their innovative approaches and community-focused efforts continue to elevate North Carolina as a leader in sustainable farming and food production. 2025 marks the fifth consecutive year Scott and Vick have received this recognition and third for Grainger.

For more information on NCSC, visit https://ncsweetpotatoes.com/ or to visit the 2025 Business North Carolina Power List click here.