2021 is a new year for potato growers, and that’s a good thing. “Most growers are pretty happy to have last year behind them,” said Mark Klompien, president and CEO of the United Potato Growers of America. Challenges of the COVID-10 pandemic for growers included the ups and downs of the demand side of the equation, both in the fresh and processed sectors, writes Tom Kartst in this article published by The Packer.
For 2021, Klompien said the industry is optimistic for a good year, both in terms of quality as well as favorable pricing. Overall potato acreage in the U.S. is expected to be slightly bigger this year, mainly driven by the processing market. The fresh potato sector’s acreage is expected to be flat to slightly lower for 2021, he said.
“Certainly, our view (of) the crop is that in most major potato growing areas of the country, (the crop) went into the ground in good shape, and it is still in good shape,” Klompien said. Recent challenges include high temperatures and the lack of moisture in some regions.
Source: The Packer. Full story here
Photo: Thousands of pounds of potatoes were given away by Washington state potato growers at an event held in the Tri-Cities on May 8, 2020 | KIMA via Komonews.com
