diseAse identiFiCAtiOn Jeff Miller jeff@millerresearch.com
MArKet rePOrt Ben eborn napmn@napmn.com
POtAtO GrOwers OF wAshinGtOn dale
editOriAL inFOrMAtiOn
Potato Country is interested in newsworthy material related to potato production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com.
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Email address changes/corrections to: brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or send to Potato Country, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444. Potato Country magazine (ISSN 0886-4780), is published eight times per year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices. It is produced by: Columbia Media Group, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444 Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group.
hot topic: heat stress
Story and
photos
by Denise Keller, Editor
Awarming trend in the weather has been making headlines in the news and prompting the potato industry to look for ways to help potatoes beat the heat. Researchers have been working to better understand potatoes’ response to heat stress in order to develop management recommendations for growers. Their latest efforts were among the topics covered at the Washington State University (WSU) Potato Field Day, held June 26 in Othello, Washington. Presenting a graph showing Pacific Northwest temperatures over the last 50 years, WSU’s Jacob Blauer explained that while the data shows a lot of ups and downs, there’s been a general increase. Clarifying that he’s not making a statement about climate change, but rather simply sharing observations, he
Alice Pilgeram, a research plant pathologist with the Montana State University Seed Potato Certification Program, examines a plant for disease symptoms.
noted that temperatures increased an average of 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit over a 50-year period.
“While 1.6 degrees might not sound like much, and you might ask, ‘isn’t that a good thing to extend the growing season?’, one model has shown there might be more extreme weather events – either cold or hot. What was previously predicted to happen once every 10 years, with a warming of 1.6 degrees, we could see two to three extreme weather events every 10 years instead of the historic one event. If this model is true, then we are going to have to deal with these extreme events more often.” Blauer said.
He explained that this trend, punctuated by the 2021 heat dome, during which temperatures as high as 118 degrees were recorded in Othello,
has raised questions about how to manage irrigation, nitrogen and other inputs to help potato crops survive extreme temperatures.
To begin answering these questions, a previous WSU grad student conducted a field trial in which potatoes were planted at three time intervals with a goal of determining how the plant’s developmental phase at the time temperature peaks for the season impacts plant productivity, foliage and post-harvest quality. That trial found that warmer temperature during tuberization had positive or negative effects, depending on the cultivar – typically negative.
As a next step, WSU researchers worked with the school of engineering to build open-top heat boxes to use in
Field day attendees visit while they view the WSU seed lot trial.
a field trial in 2024 and 2025. With the boxes positioned around small groups of potato plants in the field, the researchers can regulate the temperature inside the box, keeping it 10 degrees higher than the ambient temperature to simulate heat stress. Meanwhile, the open-top design allows the plants to experience irrigation, natural solar radiation and pest pressure, creating as natural conditions in the field as possible.
Choosing to use Russet Burbank in the trial because of the cultivar’s sensitivity to heat, the researchers maintained the 10-degree temperature differential for 20 days during tuberization and then let the plants complete the season as usual. In 2024, they found that the plants inside the heat boxes had a 40% reduction in yield, 35% increase in malformed tubers and 13% reduction in total number of tubers. The trial is being repeated this year to validate those results. Long-term plans include using the heat boxes to also screen varieties for temperature stress adaptation and to evaluate irrigation, fertility and insect dynamics for improved recommendations.
An experiment is set up in the field to assess potato plants’ response to heat
WSU graduate student Jacob Meeuwsen (right) explains the research he’s conducting on novel irrigation methods and water use efficiency.
stress.
WSU’s Jacob Blauer (left) explains the temperature increase seen in the Pacific Northwest over the last 50 years.
More People Perceive Potatoes as nutritious Food to support Active Lifestyle
By Marisa Stein, Director of Marketing, Potatoes USA
Potato popularity remains strong thanks to increasingly positive perceptions of the spud as a highquality carbohydrate that can fuel an active lifestyle, according to the 2025 Consumers Attitudes & Usage study conducted by the Sterling Rice Group. This growing awareness of potatoes’ nutritional benefits presents a valuable opportunity for the potato industry to inspire and activate consumers, encouraging even greater consumption.
health Perceptions Are Up, while Barriers shrink
In addition to topping the list as America’s favorite vegetable for the ninth year in a row, perceptions of potatoes as a nutritious food that supports an active lifestyle are on the rise. Beyond traditionally beloved traits like versatility, satiation and satisfaction, consumers increasingly recognize potatoes as a food that fuels athletic performance and provides sustained energy for everyday activities. In fact, confidence in the performance benefits of potatoes has never been higher.
At the same time, 64% of consumers surveyed believe potatoes are healthy. This year also saw growing recognition of potatoes as nutrient-dense, gluten-free and providing sustained energy.
Barriers to eating more potatoes are falling. The belief that other vegetables have more nutritional benefits – now the most significant barrier to increased consumption – was down compared to 2024. The following barriers also decreased:
• “I already eat enough potatoes.”
• “I prefer other vegetables.”
• “Potatoes take too long to cook.”
This shift in attitudes signals an important opportunity; marketing campaigns that focus on how potatoes
fit into active, everyday life can reduce obstacles for consumption and may drive more purchases.
A Better Understanding of Carbs
The perception that potatoes are “high in carbs” remains the second most common reason consumers limit consumption, with 15% citing it as a significant barrier. However, 59% of consumers now consider potatoes a high-quality carb. Among consumers who have an overall positive perception of carbs, 71% see potatoes as a high-quality carb. This presents a clear opportunity to continue positioning potatoes as a natural, nutrient-dense carbohydrate that helps fuel the body and the brain.
Untapped niche: Potatoes as Performance Fuel
Speaking of fuel, performance nutrition remains a promising opportunity for potatoes. While 62% of consumers view spuds as an “energy-packed vegetable,” and 52% believe they’re good for athletic performance, only 10% of active consumers say they use them as workout fuel – compared to 36% using sports drinks and 35% for protein bars. This gap highlights a largely untapped opportunity. By positioning potatoes as a clean, energizing, real-food performance fuel for key moments (pre-, during or post-workout), we can begin to close this gap. As The Washington Post reports, “more ultra-marathoners and cyclists are turning to potatoes as a mild, carbohydrate-packed fuel option,” underscoring the potential to continue gaining traction in the performance nutrition space.
Gen Z Leads on nutritional Creativity, excitement
Gen Z (ages 18-28) continues to be a standout demographic for potatoes. As efforts continue to turn this young generation into lifelong spud lovers, the
data are promising: they already name potatoes as their favorite vegetable and respond more positively than the general population to statements like “potatoes are good for athletic performance,” “potatoes are healthy for you” and “potatoes are a high-quality carb.”
However, half of Gen Z say their food choices need to “excite” them and that they crave ideas that are bold, fun and nutritionally meaningful. Health-forward claims like “plantbased protein” and “performance fuel” resonate more with Gen Z than the general population. This underscores the importance of developing vibrant, energy-packed recipes and snack ideas –from air fryer breakfast bowls to globally inspired loaded mashes – to meet their expectations.
The Consumer Attitudes & Usage online study is conducted annually to gather insights on U.S. consumers, evaluating their attitudes toward foods –potatoes, in particular – and their dietary choices. This year’s study was fielded in February 2025 and included results from 2,001 primary food shoppers between the ages of 18 and 75, balanced to current census data on gender, income and age.
Please contact Potatoes USA at media@ potatoesusa.com for more information.
stOrAGe essentiALs BUyers' GUide
Agri-stor Companies
agri-stor.com
Climate Controls and Crop Protection
For 65 years, Agri-Stor Companies has innovated post-harvest storage solutions.
The Agri-Star Control Panel can provide potato storages with historical data reporting, which can be crucial to longterm storage management. The panel can be customized to suit storages in any climate, and the intuitive app will save time and provide peace of mind for post-harvest storing challenges.
In addition, Agri-Stor’s quality crop protection options, including a line of organic products, can help shield potatoes from bacteria and fungi and also provide quality sprout control and sprout elimination. Agri-Stor’s team of technicians utilizes years of experience in providing custom applications that will produce great results in holding quality.
industrial ventilation inc.
ivi-air.com
Ventilation/Climate Control and Treatment Protection
For over 50 years, Industrial Ventilation Inc. (IVI) has put the needs of growers at the forefront of its products and services. IVI pioneered the storage control panel and its newest panel, the Sentinel, providing reliable control within 0.01 degree Fahrenheit of target set point. The Sentinel’s streamlined features are compatible with IVI’s Centurion panel and software. The Sentinel includes eight sensors, making it an efficient, affordable option. IVI’s Imperium panel offers 12 or more sensors plus expanded capabilities. IVI panels are made in the U.S. and allow growers to easily and precisely manage storage climates by controlling fans, VFDs, evaporative coolers, humidification, heaters, refrigeration equipment and Thermadoors. Users can operate on-site with touchscreen, or remotely with an app or internet. IVI also offers an extensive line of treatments to protect and address the threat of disease. Service is backed by experience and expertise to best address the optimal outcome of stored potatoes.
Bulk Beds/BoXes
2001 Double L 801 20’ Front/Rear Drives/ Combo
2003 Spudnik 4200 20’ Front/Rear Drives/ Elec.
1996 Spudnik 2100 20’ Front/Rear Drives/ Elec.
trucks
1996 Ford L9000 Auto, Cummins 2012 Logan 22’ bed
1991 GMC Topkick Cat motor Auto Trans
2009 Logan LP20 Bed Combo EZ Tarp
1986 Pete 349 Truck with Logan 20’ bed Combo
1978 IH Tandem DS 10spd PTO 20’ bed ready
Pilers
1999 Double L 831 36” BC Elev/49’ boom 3ph HYD Drive & Remote
1998 Double L 831 36” BC Elev./49’ boom 3ph Elec. Drive & Remote
1994 Spudnik 550 36” All Belt /50’ Boom 3ph Remote
1992 Spudnik 525 36” BC Elev./48’ boom 3ph 230 volt Remote
1989 Spudnik 550 36” BC Elev. 48’ Boom
3 ph 480 Volt Remote
1982 Spudnik 450 36” BC Elev. 45’ Boom
1 phase 220 volt
scooPers
2025 Logan Scoop Pro 36” New 230
3 phase
Spudnik 100 24” 3ph
Spudnik 1000 Scoop trailer
dammer dikers
2018 Logan Yield Pro 6 row
2015 Logan Yield Pro 6 row
2013 Ag Engineering 4 row Hyd. Reset
1997 Ag Engineering 6 row Tillage Master 13 shanks
even flows/ surge HoPPers/ croP carts
2022 Logan Surge Hopper 330 60” 230 Volt 3ph
2000 Double L 868 1000cwt 42” Elv 36” discharge 3ph
2013 Mayo 455 Surge Hopper 300cwt 3ph, 2 belt stingers
Thermo Fisher Scientific Versa Flex Checkweigher System Model 40-060
2017 Alliston 48” x 8’ rolling table
Alliston Flume 48’’Wx13’L SS destoner Kwik Locs
Neu Tech 9 lane weigher Ag Pak bagger 2 Kwik Locs
Grain Treater USC LP2000 with seed wheel
seed cutters
2014 Better Built 72” model 400 3ph
1985 Milestone MSC48 48” Cutter
1988 Better Built 36” model 2300
treaters
2013 Better Built CDT10’/10” Duster
Chemical auger
2010 Better Built CDT10’/10” Duster
1996 Milestone 36 Barrel duster
1994 Milestone 36” Barrel duster reconditioned
stOrAGe essentiALs
BUyers' GUide
techmark
techmark-inc.com
Ventilation Systems
Techmark designs, installs and services automated ventilation systems for potato storages that integrate fans, humidity controls, CO₂ management and heating/cooling solutions. Techmark systems are engineered to deliver precise environmental control for post-harvest storage, ensuring quality storage and better profitability for growers.
As an industry innovator, Techmark combines global experience with local expertise to deliver custom agricultural solutions tailored to growers’ needs. Techmark is committed to supporting growers, processors and the entire agricultural community with reliable technology, exceptional service and proven results.
titan steel
titansteelidaho.com
Storage Buildings
Titan Steel’s buildings are designed to provide maximum efficiency and convenience for produce preservation. Engineered with the latest industry standard technology, the company offers a perfect solution for producers. With third-party climate controlled systems, paired with ventilated floors or pipe, Titan Steel buildings ensure that potatoes stay fresh and in optimal condition prior to reaching consumers.
idaho deregulates First Field From PCn Program
Nearly two decades after pale cyst nematode (PCN) was discovered in eastern Idaho, officials have eliminated it from a once-infested farm field. Having passed the testing requirements of a PCN eradication program, the 118-acre field has been deregulated and is once again eligible for potato production.
PCN was first identified in Idaho in 2006. After testing associated fields in the area, the USDA contained PCN to an 8.5-mile radius in eastern Idaho. It remains the sole location in the U.S. where the pest has been confirmed. Currently, 6,315 acres are regulated under the PCN program.
To be deregulated, an infested field must pass a threepart test. The first step entails confirming that no cysts sampled from the field contain viable eggs. The next involves growing potted potato plants with soil harboring cysts. The greenhouse test takes 16 weeks and is repeated three times over a year and a half to confirm that no cysts are stimulated to reproduce. The final test is conducted in the field, where the grower must raise three seasons of crops planted in a susceptible potato variety, followed by testing to confirm no cysts with viable eggs have surfaced. We are dedicated to providing you with consistent high quality, high yielding seed that you can depend on year
Seed Growers:
RUSSET VARIETIES:
Russet Norkotah S3
Russet Norkotah S8
Rocky Mountain Russet
Silverton Russet
Rio Grande Russet
Canela Russet
Mesa Russet
Mercury Russet
Fortress Russet
Crimson King
COLORED VARIETIES:
Columbine Gold
Colorado Rose
Rio Colorado
Red Luna
Purple Majesty
Masquerade
Mountain Rose
Vista Gold
Zapata Seed Company
Worley Family Farms
SLV Research Center
San Acacio Seed
Salazar Farms
Rockey Farms, LLC
Pro Seed
Price Farms Certified Seed, LLC
Palmgren Farms, LLC
Martinez Farms
La Rue Farms
H&H Farms
G&G Farms
Bothell Seed
Allied Potato
Tim Dan David David Dan Tim Pat Pat
successful sprout suppression
By John Klimes, Product Quality Specialist, Agri-Stor Companies
It’s that time again; potato storages are filled with the new crop and the storage has been brought down to the correct temperature. Application technicians have applied sprout inhibitors (suppressants), and storage managers or growers finally feel at peace for the storage year… or do they?
Consider this: what happens if the sprout inhibitor stops working around the first of the year? Even though storages are being monitored regularly, a thought that could still weigh heavy on the mind is “Are my potatoes waking up? Why?” Several factors are involved in determining sprout suppressant longevity such as crop variety characteristics, holding temperature and free moisture in the storage. Other important factors relate to the actual sprout inhibitor product(s): which products were applied, how much was applied, when they were applied, and how thorough the application was. There are a few other factors involved, but the aforementioned are the easiest to control.
varieties
Variety characteristics are probably the number one factor in dormancy and successful sprout suppression. This is beyond growers’ control for the most part, as a contract or certain desirable characteristics may dictate the variety that is grown. Knowing the variety characteristics is very important. For example, a short-dormancy variety requires more suppressant to be applied earlier for the same storage duration as other varieties. After natural dormancy breaks, many other factors come into play.
suppressants
Once natural dormancy has been lost, a sprout suppressant needs to be applied. The most common on the
market currently is CIPC, but there are others available, as well, with variable efficacy. Depending on the storage season goals, different rates can be applied for each product, and some can also be used in combination, providing a synergistic or compounded efficacy. How long the suppression lasts depends on a few variables, but ultimately the amount of suppressant applied will determine how long it will last at the desired holding temperature. These rates are provided on each product label and are usually based on storage temperature and how long the product is going to be stored. Warmer temperatures in storage will encourage potatoes to sprout earlier, so a greater amount of suppressant would need to be applied.
Failure of sprout suppression can be tied to a few variables which the grower does have the ability to control. First, an understanding of the sprout suppressant product label is a necessity. Ensure enough product is applied to store the potatoes for the amount of
time and at the desired temperature. Know what a good application looks like. Excess dirt in the pile and settling can restrict airflow, which can have a negative effect on a good application. Damaged ducts can also restrict airflow if the holes are squashed down into the dirt. Balanced air movement is essential for a good application. A well-planned and properly executed application of sprout suppressants should last for the entire storage season – provided the following two points of control are managed properly.
temperature
The second variable that growers have control over is maintaining the storage temperature at set point. Fluctuating temperatures will wake up potatoes prematurely. This is a function of the control panel and storage management. Ensure that all temperature sensors are in place and working correctly. Regularly check the cell and the fresh air supply to evaluate proper function. When
Several factors are involved in sprout suppressant longevity, including potato variety, application quality and environment in the storage building.
temperatures have reached set point, slow air speed to maintain a one-degree Delta T. Address wet areas and potato breakdown on a site-specific protocol and not a storage-wide protocol. These settings will also help maintain the next control point.
Moisture Control
The third control point on the list is moisture control. Many sprout suppressants can be washed off, so water dripping from the ceiling can cause those top potatoes to wake up and sprout. If there is considerable condensation over the potato pile, use heaters to evaporate the moisture. Excess free water standing in the plenum and ducts can also make its way into the stored potatoes, reducing the efficacy of sprout control in other parts of the pile. Trim humidifiers and fix leaks to reduce this free moisture and prevent it from working its way in to the pile. If there are areas of significant potato breakdown (referred to as hot spots), add duct fans to force more air through the wet areas to remove moisture from those areas. This will also reduce the heat load in the area which can cause reduced sprout suppressant efficacy.
rescue
If something goes wrong or plans change, rescue treatments are available. There are challenges in storage from time to time, including condensation from cold weather, too much free water in the plenum and ultimately in the pile, and equipment failures. Also, there can be challenges if the first sprout suppression application was under-applied, the quality of the application was less than ideal or plans changed regarding the amount of time the potatoes were going to be stored. Most suppressants can be applied a second time, assuming the maximum allowed application rate is not exceeded. Even if a pile ends up with reasonably long sprouts, there are products on the market that can burn them back and put the potatoes back to sleep. Consult with a post-harvest storage professional to help manage sprouting challenges and balance airflow in potato storages.
research roundup
Story and photos by Denise Keller, Editor
With 10 topics on the agenda and just four hours, researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) always pack a lot of information into their annual potato field day. This year’s event, held June 25 in Hermiston, Oregon, was true to form, with speakers presenting on everything from new varieties to new data.
new varieties
Speaking in front of a display of upand-coming potato cultivars, OSU potato breeder Sagar Sathuvalli pointed out three promising selections from the Tri-State Potato Variety Development Program: Purple Indigo, Espresso Russet and Big Bud.
Purple Indigo is a high-yielding, purple
skin, purple flesh potato with high chipping quality. Averaging over 600 cwt/ acre, it offers early to medium maturity, good gravities, and few external and internal defects. It retains its purple color after frying. However, the variety is susceptible to powdery scab and shatter bruise.
Espresso Russet is described as a “typy, good russeting” potato with high postharvest merit. A medium- to late-harvest variety with high yield potential, Espresso Russet also has low acrylamide-forming potential. The variety has resistance to cold sweetening, blackspot bruise, Potato virus Y (PVY) and zebra chip disease and is tolerant to common scab. Weaknesses include a cream flesh color, issues with hollow heart, and susceptibility to early
die and late blight.
Big Bud is a high-yielding selection with high tuber set, good gravities (1.08) and excellent fry chip color. The early-bulking chip selection has medium maturity and few external and internal defects. It has resistance to cold sweetening, Verticillium wilt and PVY. On the downside, it is susceptible to late blight, tobacco rattle virus, potato mop-top virus and hollow heart.
The Tri-State program is planning to release Purple Indigo by the end of the year. Espresso Russet and Big Bud will also be released soon, Sathuvalli said.
root-Knot nematodes
Inga Zasada with the USDA started her presentation on nematodes with
Big Bud is among the soon-to-be-released potato varieties highlighted at the OSU Potato Field Day.
A basket of Espresso Russet tubers is displayed for field day attendees.
a reminder that the two root-knot nematodes primarily seen in Pacific Northwest potato production, Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi) and northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla), can reduce the quality of potatoes.
With this in mind, she shared data from the first two years of an OSU field trial looking at how different densities of root-knot nematodes impact the yield, tuber quality and grading of Ranger Russet, Russet Burbank and Clearwater Russet. So far, research has shown that while Columbia root-knot nematodes don’t cause a huge yield reduction, the tuber blemishes they cause will get growers dinged at the processor. Researchers are finding no yield reduction from northern root-knot nematodes; however, high densities of this nematode can cause tuber damage that can result in crop rejection at the processor.
The third and final year of the trial is in the ground now. Researchers are including additional densities of
Amber Moore with OSU summarizes recent field trials evaluating soil health practices and fertility products.
Samples of developmental potato variety Purple Indigo are on display.
nematodes, focusing on Columbia rootknot nematode and trying to further dial in on the relationship between tuber damage and nematodes in the soil.
“I think this will give us some really good data so that when you look at diagnostic reports and you see what you have before you plant or fumigate, it might help you drive some decisions,” Zasada said.
This work is part of PAPAS, a larger research effort involving a group of scientists from multiple institutions working to collect data to help growers make nematode management decisions.
Cover Crops, soil Fumigation
Next up, Ray Qin, an agronomist at OSU, shared an update from his program, including a new field trial looking at the interactive effects of fumigation and
Lamb Weston serves fresh fries at the field day.
OSU grad student Holly Golightly (left) helps field day attendees view stubby-root nematodes under a microscope.
cover crops on potato production and soil health. In the trial, wheat, mustard, arugula and winter pea cover crops were planted in August 2024 and tilled and integrated into the soil in November. Soil was fumigated with metam sodium, Telone or chloropicrin in mid-March 2025, and potatoes were planted one month later.
At the time of the field day, Qin could report that distinct differences in potato growth were seen between the plots with fumigation treatments and those without. For example, on June 5, the potato coverage in the non-fumigated plots was 50% compared to crop growth in the fumigated plots. However, the differences tended to disappear in the next few weeks. There were no visual differences among the various fumigation treatments or cover crop types in the trial.
Qin’s team is monitoring potato growth and soil health parameters throughout the season. Nitrogen losses are being measured weekly to understand the nitrogen dynamics. Potato yield and quality will be measured at harvest.
OSU entomologist Josephine Antwi introduces the next speaker.
Protecting the Plate Why Sound Science Must Guide our Nation’s Health Policy
By Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
The recent release of the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) Commission report, led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy, Jr., has generated considerable discussion across U.S. food and agriculture sectors. At the National Potato Council, we share the administration’s core objective: a healthier America, starting with our children. Indeed, we were encouraged by the report’s call for increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. We have known that these “specialty crops,” including the nutrient-dense and cost-effective potato, have been under-consumed despite their
profound health benefits. This emphasis on expanding access to and awareness of these foods is a positive step toward improving the diets of all Americans.
However, beyond these initial positive statements, the MAHA report contains several recommendations and underlying philosophies backed by some activist voices that give us pause – and should concern anyone committed to the stability of America’s family farms and our food supply.
Chief among these concerns is the report’s efforts to undermine or discard the very basis of our nation’s regulatory system: peer-reviewed science and the preponderance of evidence.
There are clear signals that the MAHA report seeks to elevate the popularity
and passion of individuals’ beliefs to an equal or greater standing than those of scientific experts. Doing so would set a dangerous precedent.
The U.S. regulatory system, which is built on rigorous, objective scientific inquiry, ensures that facts – not emotions, influencer opinions or unverified claims – govern decisions related to food production, safety and nutrition. If those activists are successful, it can have a significant impact on future government recommendations or prohibitions on how crops are grown, what Americans should consume and the government spending that may support those purchases.
The report’s specific criticisms of pesticides, including mentions of glyphosate, are particularly troubling. While it acknowledges the need for more extensive research to establish definitive connections between certain chemicals and adverse health outcomes, the implied shift away from relying on established scientific protocols for regulatory decisions is deeply concerning.
For American family farms, this is not an abstract debate. Our growers rely on safe, thoroughly vetted and effective tools to produce the food that feeds our nation and much of the world. To allow activist voices to twist this robust system into a European model, characterized by unscientific prohibitions and diminished competitiveness, would be a grave mistake. We have seen firsthand the challenges endured by European farmers under such a regime, and we cannot afford to push American agriculture down that unscientific and uncompetitive path.
Furthermore, the report’s broad-brush condemnation of “ultra-processed foods, added sugars, food dyes and additives” while advocating for a “whole-food diet” is well-intentioned but needs careful scientific calibration.
While encouraging whole, nutritious foods like whole milk, dairy, beef, leafy
greens and legumes is commendable, there is an attempt to equate “processed” with “unhealthy.” Many foods undergo processing to enhance safety, extend shelf life, and make them more accessible and affordable for consumers. A nuanced, science-based approach is critical to avoid inadvertently stigmatizing safe and beneficial food products.
The National Potato Council is committed to working with the Trump Administration toward a healthier America. We believe that by championing increased fruit and vegetable consumption, we can make significant strides. However, our commitment is equally strong to upholding the integrity of our science-based regulatory system.
For the sake of American family farms and the consumers they serve, we must ensure that our nation’s health policies are founded on validated, rigorous scientific principles, not on the shifting sands of public opinion or the passions of a vocal and influential few.
new PrOdUCts
Biosafe systems introduces new Biostimulant
BioSafe Systems has expanded its product portfolio with the addition of BioPhyter, a biostimulant. BioPhyter utilizes a plant-derived strain of the fungus Beauveria bassiana to colonize the plant systemically, from root to leaf, improving key physiological functions within the plant. This systemic activity can strengthen the vascular system, maximizing nutrient distribution, photosynthesis and structural integrity. As a result, plants are better equipped to withstand both abiotic and biotic stressors, promoting healthier, more resilient growth, according to BioSafe. Visit www.biosafesystems.com.
Acreage down, Production
USDA reports that growers in the 13 reporting states planted 912,000 acres of potatoes in 2025. That is 18,000 fewer acres than they planted in 2024, a 1.9% reduction. Most of the planted area reduction came in Washington, though acreage also was down in Maine, Minnesota and North Dakota.
Reports from Canada show that growers planted 394,215 acres of potatoes this year. That is only 262 fewer acres than they planted last year; however, there were major acreage shifts between provinces. Manitoba reduced potato acreage by 10,400 acres, while Alberta’s planted area increased by 3,500 acres.
The combined North American potato area is 1.306 million acres, down 18,262 acres, or 1.4%, from the 2024 crop. Over the past 10 years, Canadian potato acreage has expanded by 13.8%. U.S. potato acreage is down 7.7% relative to 2016 levels.
Abandonment
USDA projects this year’s harvested area at 905,900 acres. That is 19,500 fewer acres than growers harvested in 2024, a 2.1% reduction. A year ago, U.S. growers abandoned 4,600 acres of potatoes, 0.5% of the planted acreage. During the previous five years, abandonment has averaged 0.7% of the U.S. potato area.
Canadian growers abandoned 8,229 acres of potatoes during 2024 due to
heavy rainfall in the eastern provinces and limited demand and storage space in the Prairie Provinces. That was 2.1% of all potatoes planted. Abandonment averaged 2.5% during the previous five years. Because there have been only a few reports of abandonment so far this growing season, we have held our
could remain flat despite this year’s acreage reduction. Estimated abandonment and trend yields suggest that North America’s 2025 potato crop could total 548.4 million cwt. That nearly matches 2024 production. However, it would be 8.8 million cwt, or 1.6%, more than the five-year average production
"Based on these harvested acreage estimates, the combined North American 2025 harvested acreage would be 1.294 million acres, down 1.3% from 2024 levels."
estimate of Canadian abandonment at 1.5%. Canada’s 2025 harvested area would be 388,302 acres.
Based on these harvested acreage estimates, the combined North American 2025 harvested acreage would be 1.294 million acres, down 1.3% from 2024 levels.
yields, Potential Production
The U.S. long-term trend yield is 463 cwt per acre. That is up from the current estimate for the 2024 yield, 454 cwt per acre. Using the trend yield and projected abandonment, the U.S. would be expected to produce 419.4 million cwt of potatoes during 2025. That is only 810,000 cwt, or 0.2%, less than 2024 production, and it nearly matches the five-year average.
Cananda’s average potato yield has increased by about 3.3 cwt per acre per year for the past 10 years. The long-term trend yield for the 2025 crop is 332 cwt per acre. The current yield estimate for last year’s crop also is 332 cwt per acre. With a trend yield and estimated abandonment, Canada would produce a 129 million cwt crop during 2025. That would exceed 2024 production by 782,000 cwt or 0.6%.
North American potato production
for the U.S. and Canada combined. Using trendline yields and average abandonment is a good place to start estimating total production. It only takes average growing conditions to produce a trendline yield. However, there are many other factors that can and will impact potato production between the time I write this article and the time you sit down to read it. And a lot can happen before harvest is complete.
Spring planting conditions were mostly favorable across North America. Growers in the Pacific Northwest planted one to two weeks earlier than usual. As a result, crop development is ahead of schedule in Idaho and the Columbia Basin. Most Idaho growers are expecting strong yields. Growing conditions in the Prairie Provinces also have been favorable. Summer rain has improved the crop outlook in Alberta, though water supplies are still tight. Growers are optimistic about this year’s crop. Considering these factors, North American potato production could end up exceeding trend yield projections.
Processing, table Potato supply situation
Growers in the Columbia Basin reduced acreage for processing potatoes due to
Production Flat?
large contract reductions. Idaho growers may have planted more open-market fry-quality potatoes than usual with the hope that raw-product demand will improve during the 2025-26 processing season. Planted area reports suggest that growers in some of the other processing states and provinces may have done the same thing, but to a smaller extent. Overall, PNW growers planted 15,000 fewer acres of potatoes than they did in 2024. All this year’s acreage reduction is in Washington. That acreage, combined with trendline yields, would result in a 2.8% downturn in PNW potato production. Demand for early varieties is down, as fryers plan to run storage potatoes from the 2024 crop longer than usual this year. In addition, yields for early-harvested potatoes have been above average due to nearly ideal growing conditions, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Raw-product supplies from the 2025 crop, for both frozen and dehy processing, will likely be abundant again this year despite significant contract cuts.
Below breakeven open-market prices have not been enough to encourage growers to cut back on russet potato production. If USDA’s planted area estimates are correct, russet table potato supplies will likely increase significantly during the 2025-26 marketing year. Growers in several russet producing regions increased acreage this year. Some processing potato growers who received contract cuts planted Norkotahs or other table potato varieties. At 315,000 acres, Idaho’s planted area combined with a trend yield would boost the state’s total production to 140.3 million cwt, which is 5.1 million cwt, or 3.8%, larger than the 2024 crop. Canadian growers also appear to have increased russet table potato acreage in 2025. In addition, carryover from the 2024 crop is expected to be larger than usual. Marketers will be challenged to hold and/or increase prices during August and September as the harvest gets underway.
By Ben Eborn, Publisher,
Key POints
• North American growers planted 1.4% fewer acres of potatoes in 2025. Most of the reduction was for frozen processing potatoes in the Columbia Basin.
• Trendline yields combined with this year’s acreage reduction would result in a 2025 north American potato crop the same size as the 2024 crop.
• Supplies from the 2025 potato crop could support strong domestic use and French fry exports.
• Marketers will be challenged to increase open- market russet prices as the harvest gets underway.
editor’s note: To contact Ben Eborn, or to subscribe to North American Potato Market News (published 48 times per year), write or call: P.O. Box 176, Paris, ID 83261; (208) 525-8397; or email napmn@napmn.com.
Give Me robots and a Bioinformatician…Please
By Chris Voigt, Executive Director, Washington State Potato Commission
Good potato breeding can solve many of our industry’s challenges. I often tell people that it is easier to breed people than potatoes. Potatoes are tetraploids, which means they have an extra set of chromosomes compared to people. This means that it is exceedingly difficult to get all the traits you want into one potato. In a quick summary, here is how our breeding program works. And let’s contrast it to how it could work by implementing innovative technologies.
how it works
A potato breeder takes two potato varieties that he or she thinks will produce offspring that will have traits the industry wants. Perhaps one variety is resistant to Potato virus Y (PVY) and the other is high yielding. They take the pollen from one variety and fertilize the other. They continue to grow that fertilized plant in the greenhouse and harvest the true potato seed from the pods it produces. That plant could produce about 300 true potato seeds, and each seed is genetically different from one another. Those 300 seeds are planted in separate pots in the greenhouse where they will grow, and each potato plant will produce one or two mini tubers. At this point, we still do not know if any of the 300 plants have PVY resistance or are high yielding. We take those mini tubers and carefully plant them in the field, making sure they are spaced far enough apart so that when the digger brings them to the surface in the fall, we can tell which tubers belong to which plant. Then people like you and I walk the field looking at each pile of tubers that have been dug. Do the potatoes have the proper shape? How does the skin look? Are the eyes shallow? How many potatoes did that plant produce? How big are they? If they look nice, we gather
up the potatoes from that one plant, put them in a bag, tag the bag and store them for planting next season. Then the next season, we plant those tubers we stored from that one plant and ask those same questions at harvest. We still do not know if a plant is resistant to PVY or if it has the proper specific gravity or anything about its nutritional content. The only thing we know is if the tubers look pretty.
what is needed
There are three things we can do to strengthen our breeding program. First, we need to be smarter about the parents we select for crosses. We need a new type of scientist called a “bioinformatician.” They apply statistical methods and algorithms to interpret data and identify patterns that can lead to new insights in genetics. This will help us pick the absolute best parents for the traits we want in our next potato variety.
Second, we need more potato markers. Markers tell us which genes are responsible for a specific trait we are looking for. Once we have a marker for a trait, we can do a DNA test to see if the newly created cross has that marker and the traits we want. We currently have about a dozen markers and need many more.
Third, we need more greenhouse capacity with robots and automation. Breeding is a numbers game; the more crosses you can do, the more likely you are to find the next great potato. In the Tri-State breeding program, we only have the physical and financial resources to produce about 150,000 genetically different plants each year. We need to at least quadruple that.
how it Could work
With the right investments, here is how our future breeding program could work. Our bioinformatician will crunch the data and tell the breeder the best two parents to use to improve our chances of getting the exact traits we want. The breeder will have expanded greenhouse space to be
able to accommodate over 600,000 new clones each year. And when these clones are only five weeks old, a robot will come by and take a tissue sample from each plant and do a quick DNA analysis to see if it has all the key genetic markers we want in our new potato. If it does not have the markers, then we toss it out and never take it to the field for further evaluations. We’ll be able to learn in five weeks what can normally take us five years. We will still take about 150,000 plants to the field, but all of them will have the key genetic markers we want. These are tested technologies and processes. This is happening in other places around the world, and the U.S. needs to catch up. Our first step is to hire a new USDA bioinformatician. Then we can start building a new genotyping lab and greenhouse. The Washington State Potato Commission will be working to secure funding for this improved potato breeding process.
