US: Processing expansion impacts demand for Washington and Oregon spuds

Expansion in the processing industry will create new dynamics for Washington and Oregon potato production, the leader of Washington’s potato commission says. “We have incredible growing demand in Asia; we still have growing demand here domestically, and we’ve got to keep up with that,” said Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission. “We’ve had international customers on quotas for several years now; we just have not been able to get them enough frozen potato products overseas.” Voigt gave an update during the annual conference for farmers from both states. The commission plans to focus on school meals, Voigt said. Currently, potatoes are on the menu 2.5 times a month for breakfast and lunch. “There’s an opportunity there for real growth,” he said. The commission is also working with Potatoes USA to connect potatoes with athletes. More