East Idaho fresh spud packers grow organic category

Officials with two large fresh potato packing operations in Eastern Idaho say they’re working to increase their product offerings in the growing organic category. Wada Farms, based in Pingree, intends to make its first organic spud shipments during the work week beginning Oct. 26. Idaho Falls-based Potandon Produce is exploring options to grow its overall organic supply base, said Ralph Schwartz, vice president of sales, marketing and innovation. Schwartz said his company started supplying organic spuds about five years ago and has seen steady growth of about 2.5 percent per year. Last year, Potandon created its own organic label, featuring 3-pound bags of russets, reds and yellows. More