Sweet potatoes are a traditional crop in North Carolina – the state leads the nation in sweet potato production, and the sweet potato is even recognized as the state vegetable.

In the accompanying video, Chancellor Randy Woodson talks about NC State University’s efforts to make nutrient-rich sweet potatoes available to people around the globe, and especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

“So we not only have been a leader to help our farmers be the most productive in America, but that’s translating into improving crops all over the world,” Woodson says.