Research Has Changed The Game For Northwest Potato Growers

Like other commodity groups, the Oregon Potato Commission likes to highlight not only the need for research, but the great strides growers have enjoyed because of that focus.  Gary Roth, President of the OPC noted to appreciate many of the accomplishments, you need to look at the big picture.

“If you hit pause and you take a look back five, ten, 15 years, we will see that we have management tools for tuber moths and psyllids and aphids that we didn't have before," Roth said.  "We have 23 new potato varieties in the last 15 years and that's all because of the investment and research that the growers have made through their respective commissions and the hard work by the land-grant universities at Oregon State, Washington State, and the University Idaho.”

Roth also stressed that the three potato commissions across the Pacific Northwest work very well together to help best position growers now and into the future.  He added while research research is vital, that’s not the only focus for the Commission.

“We invest more than 50% of the Commission's budget, or the growers money, in cooperative research programs as well as new infrastructure and equipment at our experiment stations across the state, whether it's screen houses or a new experimental digger or cold storage facilities," Roth said.  "So, we're really proud of the fact that we're able to make those investments.”

Roth added the potato industry is extremely proud of their partnership with Oregon State University and Beaver Sports properties, allowing the Commission to do radio ads highlight the many benefits of potatoes.  He said as growers look ahead to the 2026 season, and even beyond, he stresses the importance of communication, and reaching out to the Commission to share struggles, concerns, or anything else that’s top of mind.

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