After Good 2016, Challenges Remain for Washington Potato Farmers

While 2016 was a good year for the Washington Potato industry, there are still many challenges that lie ahead.  The Washington/Oregon Potato Conference was held in Kennewick last week.  Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato commission said the event was very well attended.  He told the Washington Ag Network that’s because local growers are very progressive, and are continually looking for ways to improve their product and the industry.

“Just go back 20 years and how we’ve reduced our water use and studied how much fertilizer a plant needs, when does it need it, so we’ve really been able to fine-tune all of our operations, delivering the exact amount of water, the exact amount of nutrients, the exact amount of pest control right when the plant needs it.”

Voigt says the next challenge for northwest potato growers will be soil health, ensuring a proper balance.  Voigt also noted the potato industry has rebounded partially from the 2015 port slowdown.

“But, our competition, while we were down, our competition went in there, when we weren’t able to get product into Asia, our competition was there, so we’re still fighting tooth and nail to try and get some of that business back.  We’re growing exports, but our competition is growing even more.  So we still have to fight to get back.”

Voigt added while trade discussions continue in Washington D.C. he say free trade is vital for Northwest potato growers to be successful.

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