North Carolina is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, thanks to a unique geography that spans from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coastal plain. This wide range of elevation, soil types, and climate zones allows farmers to cultivate more than 80 commercial crops. The state’s agricultural and agribusiness sector represents a significant economic engine, contributing over $103 billion annually. North Carolina consistently ranks among the top ten states nationally for agricultural sales. This output includes high-volume commodity crops, specialized produce, and a substantial non-food segment.
Defining North Carolina’s Primary Field Commodities
The foundation of North Carolina’s crop production lies in high-volume field commodities grown primarily for processing, livestock feed, or export. Tobacco remains a nationally dominant crop for the state. North Carolina is the country’s leading producer of all tobacco, particularly flue-cured tobacco, which represents a large percentage of the total U.S. supply.
Corn and soybeans are grown on a massive scale across the eastern and central regions, functioning as staples for the state’s large animal agriculture industry. Corn production is directed toward feeding the state’s extensive poultry and hog populations. Soybeans cover substantial acreage and are used for livestock forage, oil extraction, and processed food ingredients.
Cotton production continues as a major field crop, with North Carolina ranking high in the nation for upland cotton. Farmers in the eastern coastal plain harvest hundreds of thousands of bales annually. These commodity crops are characterized by their extensive acreage, with their market value tied to global commodity prices and industrial demand rather than fresh consumption.
Specialty Produce and High-Value Food Crops
In contrast to bulk commodities, North Carolina is a major producer of high-value specialty crops, holding a dominant position in the national market for several products. Sweet potatoes are the state’s official vegetable, with North Carolina leading the U.S. in production and supplying over 60% of the national crop. The light, sandy loam soils of the coastal plain provide ideal conditions for the development of these tubers.
Fruit production is another high-value segment. Blueberries and strawberries are major crops in the coastal plain, and North Carolina ranks highly for both, benefiting from a climate that allows for early-season harvests. Peaches are also cultivated, thriving in the Sandhills region where sandy soil and temperature conditions are favorable.
Vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers are grown for both fresh market and processing. The Fraser Fir Christmas tree is a unique high-value crop cultivated extensively in the high-elevation mountain counties. This species is prized for its excellent needle retention, fragrance, and shape, making North Carolina one of the top three national producers of cultivated Christmas trees. These specialty items yield a higher return per acre and often cater to direct consumer markets.
The Role of Horticultural and Nursery Goods
A substantial portion of North Carolina’s agricultural economy is dedicated to the production of non-food items within the “green industry,” which includes nursery stock, floriculture, and turfgrass. Nursery and floriculture crops represent the single largest specialty crop sector in the state by wholesale value. This segment generates hundreds of millions of dollars in annual wholesale sales, with a strong presence in the central Piedmont region.
The production of these goods supports commercial and residential landscaping markets. Nursery operations focus on growing marketable plants until they are ready for transplanting. Sod and turfgrass production also contributes significantly to this sector, providing lawns for sports fields and housing developments. This green industry supports a total economic impact of over $15 billion for the state.