As the warm days of spring approach, so too does one of the most anticipated events in northeastern North Carolina’s agricultural calendar—the 2025 North Carolina Potato Festival, scheduled for May 16–18 in downtown Elizabeth City. With a mix of entertainment, education, and community celebration, this free, family-friendly event pays tribute to one of the region’s most vital and historic crops: the humble yet powerful potato.
More than just fun and games—though there will be plenty, including rides, food vendors, music, and even free French fries—the festival brings attention to the enduring significance of potato farming in Pasquotank County and surrounding areas. Once considered North Carolina’s “Potato Capital,” Elizabeth City’s proximity to the Albemarle Sound and its well-drained, sandy soils create ideal conditions for growing chipping potatoes, which supply major snack producers in the southeastern United States.
According to the latest USDA data, North Carolina produces over 17,000 acres of potatoes annually, primarily in the northeastern region. These potatoes are harvested early—usually in May and June, which gives growers a competitive edge in the fresh market before northern states begin their season. In 2024, this early-season production proved especially important as global supply chains remain strained and consumer demand for processed and snack foods continues to rise.
Globally, the potato is the third most important food crop after rice and wheat, with production exceeding 374 million metric tons in 2023 (FAO). The crop’s resilience, high yield per acre, and short growing cycle make it a key component in strategies addressing food security, especially as climate variability impacts other staple crops.
Agronomists and scientists have increasingly emphasized potato breeding for disease resistance, especially against pathogens like late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and nematodes. New potato varieties being developed in research centers across the U.S., including in North Carolina, are showing improved resilience and reduced dependency on chemical treatments—aligning with the global push toward sustainable agriculture.
Beyond crop production, the North Carolina Potato Festival provides a valuable space for farmers, engineers, researchers, and industry professionals to network, exchange ideas, and engage with the public. The festival’s farm and tractor show, for example, showcases both vintage and cutting-edge farm equipment, reminding attendees of the evolving relationship between tradition and technology in modern agriculture.
The 2025 North Carolina Potato Festival is not just a celebration of local culture—it’s a reflection of a region’s agricultural strength and its contributions to global food systems. As farmers and researchers continue to innovate in potato production and sustainability, events like these foster community pride while offering an important platform for collaboration and outreach.
