Idaho
Exports are on the rise and the Idaho Potato Commission is pursuing an extensive number of international markets.
Ideal conditions have yielded plenty of optimism from the field.
Post-pandemic sales are on a positive trend thanks in part to potatoes’ versatility and sought-after characteristics of certain varieties.
Scott Mickelsen, Doug Ruff, and Brad Russell were sworn in as IPC commissioners on Oct. 22.
The Idaho Potato Commission has launched a new, playful commercial that drives home the message that Idaho potatoes are serious business.
Good weather had contributed to optimistic outlooks in the field.
Following a June recommendation from the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Potato Committee, the USDA has issued a proposed rule that would raise the assessment rate for growers for the first time since 2017.
The early numbers speak to a larger potato crop in Idaho for the 2023-24 season, and that means more affordable potatoes and greater promotion opportunities for retailers.
In general, the supply outlook for Idaho potatoes is much improved, says Ryan Bybee, sales manager for GPOD of Idaho. “The volume of acreage rebounded considerably from a year ago.”
Boise, Idaho-based Grasmick Produce Co. Inc. has been awarded a maximum $25.5 million federal contract to supply fresh fruits and vegetables.
Peak potato harvest time drew more than a dozen foodservice and produce professionals from across the country to southeastern Idaho.
There’s been a big shift since the COVID-19 pandemic, said Kent Sutton, whose 375-acre family farm is part of the Rexburg-based Bench Mark cooperative of five potato growers.
The Idaho-Eastern Oregon Committee is promoting the region’s onions in various high-profile ways, says Candi Fitch, executive director.
In 2023, Idaho accounted for 14% of the U.S. domestic shipments and Oregon accounted for 10%.
“We have significantly increased our onion acreage and are hopeful for the outcome of the season even with Mother Nature’s curveballs,” said Bailey Myers-Hartley, marketing director for the company.
The USDA reported a rise in rates from Idaho to major markets throughout the country.
Despite weather challenges in the growing season, the Idaho Falls, Idaho, company reports excellent sizing for its harvest.
Each year the committee offers foodservice and retail materials, full-color POS merchandise material, recipe cards for consumers and foodservice, and educational material.
Eagle Eye Produce, Idaho Falls, Idaho, continues to ship Idaho-grown red potatoes, thanks to investments in storage technology.
Richard “Dick” Allen Symms, who led and grew the family business, Symms Fruit Ranch, Caldwell, Idaho, died July 13. He was 84.
Eagle Eye Produce, Idaho Falls, is shipping new crop yellow and red onions, with white onions to follow soon.
The Idaho Grower Shipper Association has cancelled its 92nd annual convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eagle Eye Produce, Idaho Falls, is shipping new crop russets, which will be followed shortly by harvesting of red and yellow potatoes.
Onion grower-shippers say choice is a major part of their program, including a range of sizes and varieties and, to some extent, organics.
Potato sales have taken a big turn toward the retail channel during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and suppliers of Idaho spuds have adapted.
Though “normal” likely would be the last way one might describe 2020, onion suppliers across the Idaho-Eastern Oregon region say they can at least expect some normality in their crops this year.
Checking in on the Idaho-eastern Oregon onion harvest, The Packer’s Tom Karst visited Aug. 12 with Shay Myers, CEO of Parma, Idaho-based Owyhee Produce.