Agriculture in the Heart of the Piedmont
High Point is best known worldwide as the Home Furnishings Capital of the World, but the city is surrounded by some of the most productive farmland in the North Carolina Piedmont. Guilford, Davidson, and Randolph counties produce everything from tobacco and soybeans to strawberries, sweet potatoes, poultry, and nursery stock. For residents, restaurants, and grocers in High Point, the region's farming companies supply fresh food, employment, and a strong connection to the state's agricultural heritage.
North Carolina ranks among the top agricultural states in the country, and agribusiness is consistently cited as the state's largest industry. The companies below range from large global agribusiness leaders with a strong Piedmont presence to family-run operations and cooperatives that serve local growers. Together they shape how food is grown, processed, and delivered to tables across the Triad.
1. Syngenta
With its North American headquarters located nearby in Greensboro, Syngenta is one of the most influential agricultural companies in the Triad. The company develops crop protection products, seed technologies, and digital farming tools used by growers throughout Guilford and Davidson counties. Its research facilities and agronomy experts help local farmers improve yields while adopting more sustainable practices, making it a cornerstone of the regional farm economy.
2. Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is one of the largest pork producers in the world and has deep roots in North Carolina. Through contract farming relationships, the company supports many independent family farms across the state. Its emphasis on animal care standards, environmental stewardship programs, and food safety has made it a major employer and buyer in the state's protein sector.
3. Mountaire Farms
Mountaire Farms operates poultry processing and hatchery operations in central North Carolina, including facilities in the broader Piedmont region. The company partners with hundreds of family growers who raise chickens under contract. Mountaire is also known for community initiatives such as large-scale holiday food distribution programs, which have earned it a strong local reputation.
4. Cargill
Cargill maintains a significant footprint in North Carolina through grain handling, animal nutrition, and protein operations. For farmers around High Point, Cargill provides marketing channels for corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as feed solutions for livestock producers. Its global reach combined with local grain facilities gives growers dependable access to wider markets.
5. Southern States Cooperative
Southern States is a farmer-owned cooperative with retail stores throughout North Carolina. Farmers, hobby growers, and homesteaders in the High Point area rely on Southern States for feed, fertilizer, seed, fencing, and expert agronomic advice. Its cooperative model means profits and decisions remain connected to the agricultural community it serves.
6. Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms is a family-owned poultry company with major operations in North Carolina. It has invested heavily in animal welfare improvements and no-antibiotics-ever production practices, aligning with growing consumer demand for transparency. Perdue's grower network provides stable income opportunities for rural families across the state.
7. Bayer Crop Science
Bayer Crop Science operates one of its most important research sites in the Research Triangle Park area. The company's seed brands, crop protection products, and digital agriculture platforms are widely used by North Carolina growers. High Point area farmers benefit from Bayer's field trials and agronomic support tailored to Southeastern soils and climate.
8. BASF Agricultural Solutions
BASF has a major agricultural research presence in North Carolina and supplies fungicides, herbicides, and seed treatments that protect high-value crops. The company's commitment to innovation includes biological solutions and resistance-management programs that help Piedmont farmers manage weeds and diseases responsibly.
9. Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Vendors
The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, located between Greensboro and High Point, is home to dozens of family farms selling produce, plants, meats, and preserves. While not a single company, the market's vendor community represents some of the most authentic farming operations in the region, giving consumers direct access to seasonal, locally grown food and supporting small-scale agriculture.
10. Golden LEAF-Supported Family Farms
Across rural North Carolina, many family farms have expanded with support from statewide agricultural development programs. These operations grow strawberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and specialty crops, and many offer agritourism experiences such as pick-your-own fields and fall festivals. They play an essential role in keeping the local food system diverse and resilient.
Trends Shaping Farming Around High Point
Several important trends are transforming agriculture in the Piedmont. Precision farming technologies, including GPS-guided equipment and satellite imagery, help growers apply inputs more efficiently. Consumer interest in locally sourced food has boosted farmers markets, community supported agriculture programs, and farm-to-table restaurants throughout High Point. Sustainability is also a major focus, with companies investing in soil health, water conservation, and reduced emissions.
Agritourism is another growth area. Families from High Point increasingly visit nearby farms for berry picking, corn mazes, and educational tours. This not only generates additional revenue for farmers but also strengthens public understanding of where food comes from.
How to Choose the Right Farming Partner
Whether you are a restaurant owner sourcing produce, a grower looking for a supplier, or a family seeking fresh local food, consider a few key factors. Look for companies with a proven track record in North Carolina, transparent production practices, and strong relationships with local farmers. Ask about sustainability commitments, food safety certifications, and the availability of agronomic or customer support. Local cooperatives and farmers markets are excellent for personal relationships, while larger agribusinesses offer scale, research, and consistent supply.
Final Thoughts
The farming companies serving High Point reflect a blend of global innovation and deep local tradition. From research-driven agribusiness leaders headquartered in the Triad to family farms selling at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, these organizations keep the region fed, employed, and connected to its agricultural roots. Supporting them helps ensure that the Piedmont remains a thriving place for agriculture for generations to come.