potatoes

In a groundbreaking move, researchers at the University of Idaho are blending agriculture and technology to tackle a big problem for potato farmers.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture anticipates receiving over $2 million from USDA which will be awarded to projects enhancing the competitiveness of Idaho specialty crops.

The potato industry has faced a variety of headwinds over the past couple of years, resulting in canceled contracts, lower prices and tough economic times.

The 2025 potato planted acreage forecast is 912,000 acres, a 2% reduction from last year. If realized, that would be the fewest potato acres since 1954.

“We're struggling right now," said Jamey Higham, Executive Director of the Idaho Potato Commission. "The returns our growers are getting are well below the cost to produce potatoes.

Starting next week, the University of Idaho will have a new director for the Idaho Foundation Seed Program and the Parma Research and Extension Center.

Potato Expo 2026, North America’s largest annual potato industry conference and trade show, is set for January 6th-8th in Dallas, TX.

The past couple of seasons have been challenging for the local potato industry, but not because of poor crop yields or bad weather.

Washington State University is reminding potato growers of a tool that’s saving the industry nearly $10 million a year.

The recently announced U.S.-Japan trade agreement is a disappointment for the National Potato Council, because it did not include fresh market access for American spuds.