Potato Growers Hopeful Better Days Are Ahead

The past couple of seasons have been challenging for the local potato industry, but not because of poor crop yields or bad weather.  Trade uncertainty, contract cancelations and a soft farm economy have made the last two or three years difficult for Northwest growers.

Chris Voigt Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission said farmers understand some years are great, and some years, not so great.

“And so we're kind of used to that cyclical cycle, and we know that, what comes around goes around type of attitude," Voigt said.  "And so, yeah, we've kind of come off for two, couple tough years, but I think that there's optimism that will improve because it always has in the past.”

Voigt said while there many reasons to feel discouraged, he and growers are keeping their heads up.

“Personally, I feel pretty good," Voigt noted.  "I kind of like where we're at, and I think that we're headed in the right direction. And I think that this economy will turn a little bit around for agriculture, at least for the potato industry.” 

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