Carson Barnes creates Covington Endowment to support sweetpotato research

Keeping North Carolina in the forefront of this industry

“The Henry M. Covington Endowment for Excellence in Sweet Potato Variety Development was established in August in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The fund, named in memory of Covington, who was an Extension specialist in CALS’ Department of Horticultural Science, will support development of new sweet potato varieties in the state. Carson B. Barnes of Nash County, owner of Barnes Farming Corp., created the endowment in honor of Covington’s guidance in the development of the Barnes family operation, the nation’s largest grower of sweet potatoes.

Dr. Johnny Wynne, CALS dean, hosted the endowment signing at the Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center on the N.C. State Centennial Campus. “A special thanks to Carson Barnes for making this evening possible,” Wynne said. “We’re proud of our College’s sweet potato research and extension program, the advances they have made and the support they provide to the industry. And we’re proud of the innovative and entrepreneurial farmers who have made North Carolina No. 1 in sweetpotato production. Carson, you have set the standard for all of us in so many ways. The creation of this endowment sets another standard in providing support for the development of new varieties that will keep North Carolina in the forefront of this industry.”

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