NCPGA's objective is to encourage and promote research and education in all phases of the pecan industry, to interact with others in the interest of pecan growers throughout the region, and to promote pecans as a commercial crop in North Carolina.

North Carolina produces three to five million pounds of pecans annually. There are approximately 2,000 acres of pecans in North Carolina and most are managed as commercial orchards. Annually, well-managed orchards should produce 1,200 to 1,500 pounds per acre when trees are mature at 20 years. Depending on individual marketing practices, prices paid for high-quality, in-shell pecans will average about $1.00 per pound. This acre return places pecans well ahead of many row crops grown in North Carolina.

The largest concentration of commercial pecan orchards in North Carolina are located east of Interstate 95. Most soil types in eastern and southern North Carolina Piedmont are suitable for pecan production. Pecan varieties adapted for planting in North Carolina require approximately 200 frost-free days from pollination to nut maturity. Pecan orchards in the Northern Piedmont have proven to be successful in years without early- or late-season freezes.

North Carolina consistently ranks in the top 10 states in production of new and improved pecan varieties. Georgia leads the nation in pecan production, followed by Texas, then Alabama. The demand for North Carolina grown pecans is increasing as consumers and major shellers realize the quality available from well-managed North Carolina orchards.

Growers benefit from the strong support of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, NC State University, and the North Carolina Pecan Growers Association. North Carolina pecans are versatile and can be purchased in volume during harvest for year-round use.