The potato industry has struggled the past couple of years with lighter consumer demand, resulting in some contracts getting reduced or terminated altogether. Is that going to be an issue during the rest of 2025 and into the future?
Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission, says statewide, growers reduced the acres planted in an effort to correct this balance problem.
But despite that effort, he noted there is still a concern that there could be too many potatoes, thanks to perfect growing weather, not only in the Northwest but nationwide.
“So that can be actually devastating for our fresh potato growers. You know, the ones who are selling potatoes to grocery stores, restaurants, and food service. That is, for the most part, some of it’s done on contracts, but a significant portion is done on the open market. And when you have strong yields and good growing conditions all across the country, that could point towards an oversupply, overproduction of potatoes.”
Voigt says while many questions remain for growers, there is one thing he’s confident of as harvest continues and the holidays draw closer.
“It’s going to be a good year for consumers. They’re going to have excellent quality potatoes and a good supply in the grocery stores. And hopefully, a fair price that’s good for the consumer and a good price that’s good for the grower.”