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A perfect storm of heavy rains followed by freezing cold weather will cut yields for the Red River Valley fresh potato crop in North Dakota and Minnesota nearly by half.

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic affecting U.S. businesses is a multi-headed monster for the agriculture sector, and produce suppliers in California’s Kern County are no exception.

The Packer’s Tom Karst spoke April 27 with Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association about the outlook for the coming season.

In spite of some recent heavy rainfall, grower-shippers in California’s Kern County said they were anticipating an on-time start for this year’s deal.

(UPDATED, Oct. 24) Weather in Idaho and the Red River Valley in North Dakota and Minnesota will affect how many table stock potatoes those regions have this season.

The Idaho potato season is well underway, with plenty of supplies for holiday dinners, marketers say.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Delta, British Columbia-based Village Farms promoted its mini San Marzano tomato, branded Heavenly Villagio Marzano at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit expo.

Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines are the top five export market for Idaho potatoes, according to the Eagle-based Idaho Potato Commission.

Restaurants, institutions and other foodservice outlets continue to provide strong support for the Idaho potato industry, suppliers say.

With frost damage in Idaho and flooding hampering potato harvest in North Dakota and the Red River Valley, the potato market could take buyers on a wild ride.