Concerns Exist That 2025 Was "Too Good" For Potato Growers

The potato industry has struggled the past couple of years with lighter consumer demand, resulting in some contracts being reduced or terminated all together. Is that going to be an issue in 2025 and into the future?

Despite Efforts To Cut Back, 2025 Could Be A Large Crop

Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission says statewide, growers reduced the acres planted in an effort to correct this balance problem. But despite that effort, he noted there is still a concern that there could be too many potatoes, thanks to perfect growing weather, not only here in the Northwest, but nationwide.

“So that can be actually devastating for our fresh potato growers," Voigt said. "You know, the ones who are selling potatoes to grocery stores and restaurants and food service. That is for the most part, some of it's done on contracts, but a significant portion is done just kind of on the open market. And when you have strong yields and good growing conditions all across the country, that could point towards an oversupply, overproduction of potatoes.”

A Quality Crop Expected

Voigt said while many questions remain for growers, one thing he’s confident of as harvest continues and the holidays draw closer.

"It's going to be a good year for consumers," Voigt said. "They're going to have excellent potato quality and a good supply in the grocery stores. And hopefully, a fair price that's good for the consumer and a good price that's good for the grower.”