NC Sweetpotato Commission Foundation Awarded $138,173 Grant to Combat Guava Root-Knot Nematode; Michelle Grainger Comments

BENSON, NC - The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Foundation has been awarded a $138,173 grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) to support a new project, “Unified Approach in Eradicating GRKN,” focused on the threat of Guava Root-Knot Nematode (GRKN).

The funding will advance a comprehensive, coordinated strategy designed to protect the integrity of North Carolina’s agricultural economy and strengthen safeguards for the state’s sweetpotato industry. The grant agreement began Nov. 1, 2025, and provides resources for the Foundation to develop and carry out a specialized Scope of Services focused on addressing GRKN and supporting long-term industry sustainability.

“This partnership with the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission allows us to take a proactive stance against a pest that threatens our agricultural heritage,” said Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Foundation, in the recent release.

The project reflects a shared commitment to protecting North Carolina agriculture through coordinated action, responsible stewardship, and industry collaboration. The Foundation will work closely with the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to fulfill project goals through Oct. 31, 2027, and will provide regular semiannual programmatic and financial reports to the state.

Since receiving the grant, the Foundation has engaged retired North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services plant pest specialist Ann Gallagher to support the project. Gallagher brings more than 20 years of service with the department, along with extensive hands-on knowledge of sweetpotato production and plant pest management. Her experience and strong reputation within the industry will be valuable in advancing the Foundation’s efforts to address GRKN. We are fortunate to have Ann and her expertise leading this charge.