The United States harvests just over one million acres of potatoes each year. Idaho leads the way, digging more than 300,000 acres, mostly in Eastern Idaho’s Snake River Valley. Russets still dominate, with a global reach.
“We’re still heavy to Burbank potatoes, which is a little different (Russet) variety compared to what most of the other countries are growing,” says Kevin Stanger, president of Wada Farms Marketing Group LLC, Idaho Falls, ID.
After Idaho, Washington weighs in second with 165,000 acres of potatoes. The Columbia Basin is home to the majority, though the Skagit River Valley, in northwest Washington, also boasts large fresh shipments and exports.
Wisconsin is the third-largest potato state, with acreage mainly in the Central Sands region. “One of the things that sets Wisconsin apart is we can get things to the East Coast overnight. That’s part of the service we offer, part of the advantage of buying out of here,” notes Mike Carter, CEO of Bushmans’ Inc., Rosholt, WI.
Potatoes grown in the Central Sands region of Wisconsin typically ship until July and June, Carter says. But weather is always the wild card for shipping, as shown in 2018.
The Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota also exceeds 100,000 acres. North Dakota has seen the most substantial shift in acreage, by variety, with fewer Russet processing acres while maintaining its fresh area of whites, reds, and yellows.
Colorado, a major shipper to the southern United States, harvests almost 60,000 acres. Five other states ship between 30,000 and 60,000 acres, emphasizing fresh markets: California, Florida, Maine, Michigan, and Oregon, where the Hermiston area is a hub.
Canada’s fresh shipments both complement and compete with U.S. potatoes. The True North cultivates about 350,000 acres in total, harvests more than 185 varieties (ranging from Adora and Irish Cobbler to Red Pontiac and Van Gogh), and is a significant exporter.
Prince Edward Island is country’s the leading producer, with more than 80,000 acres. Together, PEI and New Brunswick grow over 135,000 acres. The Prairie Provinces combine for 125,000 acres, most in Manitoba and Alberta. Quebec and Ontario add another 75,000 acres, with Quebec harvesting about 40,000, according to Statistics Canada.
This is a summary of an excerpt from the most recent Produce Blueprints quarterly journal. You can go here to read the full excerpt. You can also click here to read the full article.
