Idaho potato harvest results are in

(File photo, graphic )

The sudden resurgence of fresh potato popularity with consumers that was fueled by COVID-19 almost 18 months ago does not show any sign of slowing down soon. With more than 2 million new customers purchasing potatoes during 2020, according to the Idaho Potato Commission, it is easy to see how the positive momentum and power of the Idaho potato will continue to remain strong throughout the remainder of 2021 and all of 2022.

According to Potatoes USA, 87% of consumers have some type of potato on their shopping list before making it to the grocery store. Potatoes are by far Americans’ favorite vegetable, beating out leafy greens, corn and broccoli by a landslide. Retailers should prepare for this new normal and reap the rewards.

Timing for the growing consumer demand of fresh potatoes could not be better! This year’s Idaho potato harvest looks spectacular. I was able to make the journey to Idaho and witness firsthand the 2021 crop as it was being pulled out of the ground. The harvest results are showing high levels of quality, with vibrant skin colors and a wide assortment of sizing. (One of the growers that I toured was grading 91% of the russet harvest as No. 1s, leaving 9% for No. 2s and processors. That’s a great report card!)

Did you know that Idaho is the only state to staff USDA inspectors on site to ensure the highest specifications and quality standards of its potatoes? Favorable weather conditions during the weeks of fall potato harvest have helped guarantee a superior quality product for the remainder of the year and well into 2022. This is a recipe for retail selling success out in the stores. Retailers can plan for strong potato merchandising to showcase the 2021 high-quality harvest results.

As for yield estimates of this year’s Idaho crop, the harvest is showing mixed results from region to region.

Growers farming the western regions of the state endured much warmer weather that was often shadowed by smoke-covered skies. (Much of the forest fire smoke from lower states drifted over the western growing regions, causing less sunlight than is needed for potato growth).

Growers from eastern regions of Idaho are reporting better yield results that should measure up to the volume and tonnage of 2020. Total Idaho crop tonnage is down from 2020 due to the adverse summer growing conditions. For detailed specifics on yield estimates, contact your regional Idaho grower-shipper-distributor. The harvest of new crop Idaho russets, reds, golds and specialty potatoes contributed to the almost 13.5 billion pounds of potatoes harvested this season from around 315,000 acres of fresh potato fields in Idaho. (Yes, 13.5 billion with a “b”. That’s a lot of potatoes to plant, nurture, harvest and store for future use.)

Russet Norkotah potatoes in field and bins
Early russet norkotah variety are harvested in early October. Photos courtesy Scott Schuette

Did you know Idaho grows more than just russet potatoes? The vast variety of potatoes available in Idaho is sometimes a best kept secret with many retailers and foodservice organizations. Russets are still king in Idaho, but other varieties are catching up quickly. While touring the many farms and fields, a common theme was increased planting of reds, golds and many different gourmet potatoes.

Did you know that Idaho is the No. 1 producer of yellow potatoes in the U.S.? Many growers are focusing on being a one-stop-shop for every potato need. This was a breath of fresh air. With today’s transportation challenges, the luxury of procuring all your potato needs from one location can create significant shipping synergy for your organization. Picking up mixed loads of potatoes from one location (mixed loads include russet, gold, red, gourmet and even organic) also helps keep the retailer’s supply chain full and fresh with strong inventory turns.

idaho red potatoes, gold potatoes and gourmet red fingerling potatoes
The new crop Idaho red potatoes, gold potatoes and gourmet red fingerlings. 

How do Idaho farmers harvest over 13 billion pounds of potatoes in a handful of weeks?

It takes a small army to get over 13 billion pounds of Idaho potatoes harvested each fall. All hands are on deck during this critical time, including the thousands of high school and college students who are out of school during the prime two weeks of harvest. Yes, Idaho schools close during the potato harvest. Teachers, students and staff members join the farming community to assist in this miracle harvest. Friends and family members also join the fun, which ends up being many 18-hour days and nights.

Equipment and machinery continue to advance, allowing the farmers to rely a little less on human participation and more on the efficiencies of advanced mechanical technology. Computers, robotics, and even the use of artificial intelligence also assist in the annual harvest. I was truly amazed to see how technology advancements are improving the overall quality of potatoes being harvested. Not too many years ago, potato sizing, shape, color and density were all physically graded by human hands and eyes. Today, high-definition cameras wired directly into computers using artificial intelligence algorithms help farmers grade potatoes for superior quality. This high-tech software and camera system can photograph every inch of every potato, allowing artificial intelligence to assist in grading the size, color and even density of each potato. The more potatoes that the software system inspects, the more that artificial intelligence allows the system to learn and improve. Many of the growers that I visited were able to help offset a declining labor force with the use of this critical technology.

Idaho potato packing and camera technology monitor
Packaging and camera technology assist in keeping quality standards top notch.

I bet you didn’t know this about Idaho potatoes! (Even after 36 years in the industry, I didn’t either.)

Definition of Marketing Order – An agreement in place to uphold the strictest standards of quality, size, shape and color throughout every grower in Idaho.

  • Idaho has a strict marketing order that has been in effect since Sept. 3, 1941 – and the industry is now “Celebrating 80 years of quality,” according to the IPC.  
  • The state of Idaho has 114 (third-party) shipping point inspectors for only 32 fresh-pack warehouses. These inspectors are monitored by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and are evaluated monthly.
  • Idaho potato inspectors have to provide certificates, which trace back the product to their logbook of inspections.
  • Idaho is the only state where the count of potatoes is adhered to. If you are selling an 80 count 50-pound box of potatoes, it must have 80 potatoes, with only a 10% variance allowed.
  • Potato Lot Identification (PLI) – Idaho is the only state with this requirement, which provides recognizable identification that the product was inspected and certified by a USDA inspector, is recognized by PACA for dispute resolution, and provides a reliable means of tracking the product throughout the supply chain.
  • Idaho has the strictest quality standards in the nation, allowing only a maximum of 6% defects – the USDA standard is 8%.

Is your organization ready for making Idaho potatoes part of every customer shopping list?

The potato category is poised for another record-breaking season at retail. Quality, sizing and availability align perfectly with the growing consumer demand for this commodity. It will be up to retailers to harness the increasing energy surrounding the potato category. Visibility in ad promotions, social media and healthy living dialogue are all great ways to keep the potato category top of mind with the consumer. In-store merchandising best practices can guarantee potatoes in every customer cart. Using secondary satellite displays will continue to create those impulse purchases for the few customers that might have forgotten to put potatoes on their list. Remember, consumers with russet potatoes on their shopping list are very likely to pick up other incremental potato items like reds, golds and gourmet varieties when merchandised correctly. Potatoes are a category worth investing in, especially when trying to build comparable year over year sales!

Scott Schuette is a produce retail veteran of more than 35 years and was most recently the vice president of produce and floral for Fresh Thyme Market. He has been named Produce Retailer of the Year and Specialty Food Retailer of the Year over the course of his decades of service to the fresh produce industry.

 

 

 

Latest News

Maryland expands spotted lanternfly quarantine
Maryland expands spotted lanternfly quarantine

The state’s department of agriculture added 17 counties to control the spread of the invasive insect.

2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall
2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall

Organizers said 3,600 grocery professionals participated in the three-day event, the largest in the National Grocers Association's 42-year history.

Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'
Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'

Now in its fifth year, the Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge supports industry peers taking the challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables, while making the meaningful first steps to improve their health and lives.

Research examines intelligent systems to prevent freeze damage
Research examines intelligent systems to prevent freeze damage

A research team at Penn State University looks to use real-time data and an unmanned vehicle to better target heat in orchards during freeze events.

Strong Texas onion crop expected
Strong Texas onion crop expected

Barring unforeseen weather events, Texas spring onion season is expected to feature plenty of good-quality product, growers say.

TIPA adds new VP, general manager
TIPA adds new VP, general manager

Rodrigo Castaneda, who joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in various industries, is expected to help expand the company’s presence.