Barnes, who led one of the world’s largest sweet potato operations, is remembered as a visionary who helped elevate North Carolina’s produce on the global stage
People across the US have offered their condolences following the death of Johnny Barnes, who in 2014 formed the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute and was its president until earlier this year.
A leading figure in North Carolina’s agricultural industry, Barnes is understood to have passed away aged 61 following a recent illness.
A statement issued by the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute (ASPMI), the US Sweet Potato Council, and the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) referred to him as a beloved husband, father, leader, innovator, and tireless advocate for North Carolina agriculture.
Through his work at Barnes Farming Corporation with Farm Pak Products, he was a “driving force” behind the company’s success, and helped to position it as one of the largest sweet potato operations in the world.
In particular, he was one of the first people to see an opportunity to promote North Carolina’s sweet potatoes and to market them in North America and beyond.
The organisation he founded now does just that, championing the industry and marketing its products across the globe.
“Johnny was more than a grower – he was a visionary who helped elevate North Carolina sweet potatoes onto the global stage,” said Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission.
“His legacy lives in the fields he stewarded, the people he mentored, and the standards of excellence he set for our entire industry. He was not just respected, he was loved.”
Jose ‘Pepe’ Calderon, sales manager at Farm Pak, described his former colleague as a man of “quiet strength and unwavering values”.
“He believed in doing things the right way, not the easy way. Every person who worked with him learned something about dedication, patience, and pride in their work.”
He added: “While his absence leaves a deep void, his impact will be felt for generations. We are thankful that Johnny’s son, Josh Barnes, will continue his father’s legacy by leading Barnes Farming Corporation and carrying forward his father’s vision for innovation and stewardship in agriculture.”
