News in Brief:
– US sweet potato exports have significantly declined due to rising labour costs, hurricanes, and competition from cheaper international producers.
– Manual harvesting requirements threaten farners’ sustainability even as European demand for high-quality US sweet potatoes grows.
The rise of the Purple Splendor variety in the United States has created excitement in the sweet potato industry. However, the focus on European markets could spell trouble for local farmers facing increasing challenges, a report says.
This new variety was developed by the North Carolina State University and it is making waves in Europe. Its association with the “blue zones” diet, popularised by the Netflix documentary “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” has boosted demand. Retailers like Marks & Spencer proudly offer this variety, touting its health benefits and superior taste.
Local farmers’ struggle with European market
Despite the buzz, US sweet potato exports have plunged dramatically from their peak. Between 2007 and 2017, exports soared from 100 million to over 400 million pounds annually. But in recent years, a combination of factors has led to a 75% decline in exports.
Hurricane Florence in 2018 devastated North Carolina’s crops, and subsequent price hikes drove European importers to cheaper alternatives from countries like Egypt. A strong US dollar, high shipping costs, and EU tariffs further compounded the issue.
While European markets embrace Purple Splendor, US farmers grapple with skyrocketing labour costs. In North Carolina, where all sweet potatoes are harvested by hand, labour expenses have doubled in five years. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for foreign workers is now $15.81 per hour, but additional fees push the real cost to over $20 per hour. Many farmers cannot afford these rates, leading some to switch crops or exit the business entirely.
The unique selling point of US sweet potatoes remains their quality. Jacy Barnes Clapp of Farm Pak emphasises the superior taste and shelf-life that keep European customers loyal. However, this advantage is overshadowed by the relentless rise in production costs.
Despite the enthusiasm for Purple Splendor, the U.S. sweet potato industry’s future is uncertain. While new varieties may capture foreign interest, local farmers’ sustainability remains at risk. The industry’s reliance on manual labour is a significant hurdle. Until mechanical harvesting becomes viable, labour costs will continue to threaten the livelihoods of US sweet potato growers.
