This grant provides funding to North Carolina State University to increase its capacity to grow certified disease-free sweet potato plants to continue its support for the expansion of the sweet potato industry. Approximately 90% of all sweet potato plants grown in North Carolina originate in NCSU greenhouses. NCSU has outgrown the space available in the research greenhouses it currently uses to grow sweet potato plants for sale to certified seed growers. This project will construct at least 10,000 square feet of new greenhouse space dedicated to certified sweet potato plant production. Golden LEAF funds will be used for construction. NCSU receives support for ongoing operating costs of the program through the sale of sweet potato plants grown in the greenhouses.
