The North Carolina Pickle Producers Association

The NCPPA was originally established to provide support for research on cucumber in North Carolina, particularly for the plant breeding program.

Currently, NCPPA has two main objectives: to provide support for the NC State cucumber research and extension programs, and to host the annual meeting where members can share information on cucumber research, production, and marketing.

NCPPA membership is open to growers, shippers, packers, seed companies, and associated groups interested in pickling cucumber production.

For membership information, contact the NCPPA president.

Board of Directors (2014-2016)

  • Bob Quinn, President (Mt. Olive)
  • John Cates, Vice-President (Addis Cates)
  • Ben Woodlief, Secretary / Treasurer (Nash Produce)
    • Phil Denlinger, Director (Mt. Olive)
    • Ricky Jackson, Director (Bay Valley)
    • John Cates, Director (Addis Cates)
    • Sam Lambert, Director (grower)
    • Thomas Joyner, Director (Nash Produce)

Rotation of Board Leadership

  • 2014-2016: Mt. Olive Pickle
  • 2016-2018: Bay Valley
  • 2018-2020: Addis Cates
  • 2020-2022: Nash Produce

Report (2012-2015)

  • Need research on methods of improving yield, including optimum varieties and cultural practices.
  • High resistance to the new downy mildew and new fungicides for control.
  • Need parthenocarpic varieties of American pickling type.

Report (2010)

  • A low yielding pickling cucumber crop occurred this season. This was due to the excessive heat through out much of the production season which reduced fruit set. Also, there were pollination issues that resulted in production of many misshapen fruit. Additionally, downy mildew occurred relatively early in fields and made production challenging. Because fall plantings of cucumber have been relatively unsuccessful, little or no acreage was planted by many growers in NC during the summer for fall harvest.
  • Some key concerns or issues the pickling cucumber industry has is that commodity prices are very high. Due to the increased risks (i.e. downy mildew) associated with growing pickling cucumbers, it is more difficult to secure product at relatively economical values. Downy mildew continues to be a major concern and the prediction model was not very precise in predicting the occurrence of downy mildew in NC.

Resolutions Passed (2008)

  • Cucumber researchers should investigate the possibility of cooperation with the faculty at the new NC Research Campus in Kannapolis.
  • As budget cuts at NCSU are imminent, the NCPPA board will write letters to NC State administrators supporting research and extension work on cucumber.
  • Future NCPPA meetings should be in conjunction with the Veg Expo, and should have a formal session on cucumber followed by a business meeting.

Resolutions Passed (2005)

  • NCPPA supports research on downy mildew control in cucumber
  • NCPPA supports immigration reform if it includes an improved guest-worker program

Research Priorities

  • For 2006-2014:
    • Downy mildew control (resistance and fungicides)
    • Labor availability
    • Machine pick cultivars
    • Machine pick cultural practices (fertilizer, irrigation, seedling emergence)
  • For 2004-2006:
    • Downy mildew control (resistance and fungicides)
    • Nematode control
    • Machine pick cultivars
    • Machine pick cultural practices (fertilizer, irrigation, seedling emergence)
    • Profitable production
    • High yield
  • For 2002-2004:
    • Belly rot control
    • Pickleworm control
    • Root-knot nematode resistance

Meetings / Events