Agriculture Around Wilmington
While Wilmington is known for its beaches and historic waterfront, the surrounding counties of Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen, and Duplin form one of the most productive agricultural areas in the state. Sandy soils, a long growing season, and mild winters support blueberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes, corn, soybeans, nursery crops, and livestock.
North Carolina ranks among the nation's top producers of sweet potatoes, hogs, turkeys, and broilers, and many of those operations are within easy reach of Wilmington. These farming companies supply grocery chains, restaurants, food processors, and export markets through the Port of Wilmington.
The Top 10 Farming Companies Near Wilmington
1. Lewis Nursery and Farms
Based in Rocky Point in Pender County, Lewis Nursery and Farms is a family-run operation known for blueberries, strawberries, and nursery plants. It is a respected name in Carolina berry production and has helped make the region famous for high-quality blueberries.
2. Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is one of the world's largest pork producers, with major operations in eastern North Carolina. Its farms and processing facilities are a significant part of the regional agricultural economy and supply pork products nationwide and internationally.
3. Prestage Farms
Prestage Farms is a family-owned agricultural company based in North Carolina, specializing in swine and turkey production. Known for strong animal welfare standards and modern practices, it is one of the largest private livestock producers in the region.
4. Butterball
Headquartered in Garner, Butterball is the largest turkey producer in the United States. Its North Carolina operations, including farms and processing plants in the eastern part of the state, provide jobs and contribute heavily to the state's poultry output.
5. Mountaire Farms
Mountaire Farms is a major poultry company with significant operations in North Carolina. It partners with independent family farmers to raise chickens and is known for community involvement and investment in rural areas.
6. Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms is a nationally recognized poultry company with growers and facilities in eastern North Carolina. Its focus on no-antibiotics-ever chicken and animal care programs has set industry standards for consumer trust.
7. Case Farms
Case Farms is a poultry producer with North Carolina operations that supply fresh chicken to food service and retail customers. The company works closely with contract growers and emphasizes product quality and safety.
8. Scott Farms
Scott Farms is a family-owned grower known for sweet potatoes, a crop in which North Carolina leads the nation. The company grows, packs, and ships sweet potatoes to domestic and international markets, showcasing the state's agricultural excellence.
9. Nash Produce
Nash Produce is a North Carolina sweet potato grower, packer, and shipper serving retailers and food service companies. Its commitment to quality and food safety has made it a trusted supplier in the produce industry.
10. Southeastern Carolina Blueberry Growers
The many family blueberry farms of Pender and Bladen counties, centered around Burgaw and the annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival, collectively form one of the region's most important agricultural sectors. These growers supply fresh and frozen berries to markets across the East Coast.
What Makes Regional Farming Strong
A favorable climate, access to processing and distribution infrastructure, and strong agricultural research from institutions like North Carolina State University give local farms a competitive edge. The Port of Wilmington also supports export opportunities for grains, forest products, and agricultural goods.
Farming Trends in Southeastern North Carolina
Precision agriculture, drone monitoring, water management, and sustainable livestock practices are reshaping the industry. Agritourism, farm-to-table restaurants in Wilmington, and growing farmers markets are also helping smaller farms connect directly with consumers.
Farm-to-Table in Wilmington
Wilmington's restaurant scene has embraced local agriculture enthusiastically. Many downtown and Wrightsville Beach restaurants feature seasonal menus built around produce, pork, poultry, and seafood from nearby farms and waters. The Riverfront Farmers Market and other local markets give residents direct access to fresh vegetables, berries, eggs, honey, and meats, while supporting small and mid-sized family operations.
Blueberry and strawberry season brings u-pick farms to life across Pender County, attracting families and visitors each spring and early summer. These agritourism experiences strengthen the connection between the city and its agricultural roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crops is the Wilmington region best known for?
The area is especially known for blueberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes, corn, soybeans, and nursery plants, along with substantial poultry and hog production in neighboring counties.
How do farms handle hurricane risks?
Farms invest in drainage, crop insurance, backup power, and resilient infrastructure, and many diversify crops and markets to reduce the financial impact of severe weather.
How We Selected These Companies
We considered production scale, regional economic impact, product quality, food safety record, and long-standing presence in southeastern North Carolina. The list balances large integrated producers that employ thousands of people with family-owned growers that preserve the region's agricultural identity and supply local markets and restaurants.
Final Thoughts
The farms surrounding Wilmington feed the region and much of the nation. From family berry growers to large livestock producers, these companies demonstrate the strength, innovation, and heritage of southeastern North Carolina agriculture.