Abstract
The annual area planted with sweet potatoes in the United States has been increasing in recent years. By 2023, it will be 127,000 acres (approximately 51,000 hectares), showing steady growth over the past few years. Sweet potatoes are especially popular in southern states, such as North Carolina and Louisiana, where the warm climates make them ideal for cultivation. Sweet potato cultivation is also driven by increasing demand from consumers due to growing health consciousness and diversifying food culture. Furthermore, as agricultural technology evolves, yields and quality are improving, and it is highly likely that sweet potato cultivation will continue to expand in the future.
Area planted with sweet potatoes
The annual area planted to sweet potatoes in the United States has undergone significant change from 1925 to 2023. In particular, the peak planted area was recorded in 1934 at 968,000 acres (approximately 392,000 hectares), but the current area is only 13.1% of that peak. The decline is due to agricultural diversification and substitution with other crops. Large-scale sweet potato cultivation in the 1930s was driven by high demand, mainly in the southern regions. However, from the 1940s onwards, with the Second World War, changes in agricultural policy after the war, and rapid economic growth, the area under cultivation began to decline. Furthermore, with the advances in agricultural mechanization and efficiency since the mid-20th century, there has been a growing trend to shift the area of sweet potato cultivation to other more profitable crops. Recently, as the health benefits of sweet potatoes have attracted attention, they are being cultivated by small-scale farms and in specific regions, but overall the area cultivated has decreased significantly compared to its peak. Going forward, sweet potato cultivation will need to seek out new growth opportunities while responding to consumer health trends and community-based agriculture.
The maximum is 200kACRES[1998] of US TOTAL, and the current value is about 59.7%
Area planted with sweet potatoes (50 US states)
When looking at the changes in annual planted area of sweet potatoes in the United States, the trends in the state of Georgia are particularly notable. According to data from 1925 to 2023, Georgia recorded its highest planted area in 1932, at 152,000 acres (about 61,000 hectares). This was because it was a center of sweet potato production at the time, and the local climate and soil were suitable for growing sweet potatoes. However, recent data shows that sweet potato acreage in Georgia is actually booming, at 329% of its peak. This surge is likely a response to growing demand for sweet potatoes, advances in agricultural techniques, and increased supply in local markets. In particular, growing health consciousness and increased demand for processed sweet potato products are once again promoting sweet potato cultivation. The revival of sweet potato cultivation in Georgia is also having a positive impact on the local economy and helping to increase farmers’ incomes. As a result, the large-scale cultivated areas of the past are being revived in new forms in modern times, garnering attention as an example of sustainable agriculture.
The maximum is 140kACRES[1999] of CALIFORNIA, and the current value is about 62.1%
Area planted to sweet potatoes (latest year, 50 US states)
The 2023 U.S. annual sweet potato planting area totals 127,000 acres (approximately 51,000 hectares). Of these, North Carolina stands out as the leading producer with 78,000 acres (approximately 31,600 hectares). North Carolina’s mild climate and suitable soil conditions make it an ideal region for growing sweet potatoes. The overall average planted area was 42,300 acres, making sweet potato a stable crop across a wide range of agricultural activities. While overall U.S. planted acreage is down compared to past peaks, North Carolina’s high planted acreage reflects a regional economy and consumer demand that remains strong. In addition, sweet potatoes have attracted attention for their high nutritional value and health benefits, and as food culture changes, demand has remained stable, which has also contributed to maintaining and expanding the area planted with them. Overall, sweet potato production is concentrated in certain areas, but there is a steady supply across the United States.
The maximum is 87kACRES of CALIFORNIA, the average is 59.8kACRES, and the total is 120kACRES
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