What Challenges Are Idaho Potato Growers Facing?

It's a challenging time for the potato industry as a whole right now.

But, why is that?

Jamey Higham, Executive Director of the Idaho Potato Commission said the U.S. economy is incredibly challenging right now.  He said American consumers are faced with housing, car, utility and phone payments, and for many, there’s more month than money, which impacts food choices.  Higham added in years past, a softer U.S. economy boded well for the potato industry.

"Fast food is always you know it's always been a little cheaper and people can go to that, or when the when eating out at fast food or restaurants is expensive, they always have that option to shop at the grocery store and make their own meals," Higham noted.  "But everything's a little expensive right now, and so it's hard to get, get a really good gauge on what's going on out there.  And it and it depends on the demographic and where you're in the country. But we can see through our numbers that the people are struggling right now.”

How Has Demand Impacted Potato Acres?

While demand is down, most Northwest potato acres did not change this year.  NASS reports that Idaho’s potato acreage held year-over-year at 315,000, while Oregon’s acreage was unchanged from 2024 at 43,000.  Only Washington reported a decrease in potato acres, dropping 20,000 to 145,000 acres of spuds planted this year.

So, what kind of impact is the international market, and trade uncertainty having on the Idaho potato industry?

“I have to be frank about it. As far as the processors go, I don't think that we export a bunch of [dehydrated potatoes] and on the frozen side," Higham said.  "I think it's a little early still to know exactly what the ramifications are. The fresh, we haven't really been affected much the places where we in Idaho ship fresh is, number one is Mexico, and then we have some in Southeast Asia and a little bit north. But right now, that hasn't been affected, at all really, with tariffs, but who knows what's coming down the road.”

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com