At A.V. Thomas Produce, Inc. we’ve been farming sweet potatoes since 1960 and organic sweet potatoes since 1988. Over the years, we’ve seen consumer demand for healthier, more sustainably grown food grow stronger than ever — and we’re proud to be part of that story. As we look at where the industry stands in 2025, we’d like to share some of the trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape how we farm here in California and across the U.S.
What We’re Seeing in the Market
- Consumer Demand is Growing: Sweet potato consumption in the U.S. keeps climbing, and organics are an important part of that growth. Nationally, organic sweet potato sales were up again in 2025, and California remains the key producing region.
- Beyond Fresh Produce: While fresh organic sweet potatoes remain the backbone of our business, consumers are also looking for more convenient options. Organic fries, chips, flours, and purees are becoming more common in grocery aisles.
- Health & Sustainability Drive Choices: People are choosing organic sweet potatoes not just for taste, but also for their nutrition, and the confidence that comes from knowing they’re grown sustainably and responsibly without synthetic chemicals or GMOs.
How We Farm Organically in California
- Soil First: Healthy soil is the foundation of everything we do. We use crop rotation, fallowing, cover crops, compost, and certified organic fertilizers to keep our fields productive year after year.
- Water Stewardship: With California’s water challenges, we rely on drip irrigation and other water-efficient practices to make every drop count.
- Resilient Farming: Farming organically means we can’t rely on quick chemical fixes. Instead, we focus on integrated pest management, resistant varieties, and natural controls to keep pests and diseases in check.
The Challenges We’re Tackling
- Rising Costs: California has some of the highest labor and input costs in the country. We’re working hard to stay efficient while keeping quality high.
- Climate Pressures: Less predictable summer temperatures and winter rainfall, and occasional extreme weather events mean we need to be flexible with planting and harvest schedules.
- Post-Harvest Care: Sweet potatoes need careful curing and storage to bring out their sweetness and keep them fresh. Investing in post-harvest handling is more important than ever.
Opportunities Ahead
- Innovation in Varieties: Research is underway to continue developing sweet potato varieties that thrive in California’s climate while offering the flavors and colors consumers love.
- Value-Added Products: We see growing opportunities in organic sweet potato products beyond the fresh aisle — from frozen fries to baby food.
- Transparency & Trust: More consumers want to know where their food comes from. Sharing our story — our commitment to organics, sustainability, and community — helps build that trust.
Our Commitment
As the largest organic sweet potato grower in California and the U.S.A., we take pride in blending traditional farming knowledge with modern sustainable practices. Our commitment to organic sweet potatoes remains the same as it has since 1988:
- To grow high-quality organic sweet potatoes.
- To care for the land, water, and people who make farming possible.
- To keep adapting so we can continue to serve customers and communities for generations to come.
We’re excited about the road ahead and grateful for everyone — from our farm teams to our retail partners and loyal customers — who makes this journey possible.
Article by Brian Escobar ~ Director of Organic Operations
