Published:
2008 Idaho Potato Harvest Forecast: Plentiful, High-Quality Spuds
EAGLE, Idaho, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2008 growing season was
spectacular forIdaho spuds. The combination of warm days, cool nights and
just the right amount of rainfall created the perfect growing environment for
America's most famous potato. The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), representing
Idaho Potato processors, shippers and growers, is confident that consumers
will be more than pleased with the quality of potatoes that will soon be piled
high in their grocers' produce bins.
Idaho Potato growers are expected to harvest about 300,000 acres,
producing approximately 11 billion pounds of the signature spuds during the
harvest, which runs from August through October. After harvest, 62% will be
processed into frozen or dehydrated potato products; 29% will be shipped fresh
to supermarkets and restaurants nationwide; and 9% will be used for certified
seed -- to grow more potatoes next year!
"Hands down, this was a terrific growing season," said Frank Muir,
President and CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "The growing conditions were
perfect for our famous russet potatoes, and many farmers are expanding into
other potato varieties like reds, fingerlings and Yukon Golds as well, giving
consumers more Idaho Potato varieties than ever before."
With more than 16 potato varieties, including organic, grown inIdaho,
it's no wonder that potatoes are America's favorite vegetable. Annual per
capita consumption of all frozen, dehydrated and fresh potatoes in 2007 was
approximately 126 pounds. With more and more consumers realizing the
nutritional return on investment (ROI) of one Idaho Potato, that number is
sure to grow. For less than a quarter, one spud provides 110 calories, almost
half the daily vitamin C requirements, nearly two times as much potassium as a
banana, fiber and loads of important vitamins and minerals. Not to mention,
potatoes are fat and cholesterol free.
The Idaho Potato industry contributes $2.7 billion -- more than 15 percent
ofIdaho's gross state product -- to the state's economy each year and
accounts for roughly one third of the U.S. fall potato crop. Sixty percent of
the crop is produced in the eastern region ofIdaho, making it one of the
largest potato-producing regions inNorth America.
Founded in 1937 as the Idaho Fruit and Vegetable Advertising Commission,
the IPC, made up of nine commissioners representing processors, shippers and
growers, is the national authority on the world's best-loved potato: The Idaho
Potato. The IPC is funded by a tax levied on allIdaho-grown potatoes based on
hundredweight, with the monies used to advertise, promote, research and
improve the state's potato crop.
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily
responsible for expanding the markets forIdaho grown potatoes through
advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of
the "Idaho Potato" and "Grown inIdaho" seals, which are federally registered
Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers
are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state ofIdaho.
SOURCE Idaho Potato Commission
Copyright © 2008, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze,
Daily NewsTags: ,AGR,FOD,HEA,ID-Potato-Harvest
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