The sector already agreed that the potato acreage in the United States was going to grow this year. Official figures from the USDA Department of Agriculture are astonishing at the magnitude of this growth. Particularly in the potato state of Idaho, growers have responded to the demand for more potatoes.
The similarities between Europe and the US have never been so great. In both growing areas, weather extremes have seriously affected potato cultivation, resulting in lower yields. Add to this a significant increase in costs and (until recently) attractive alternatives thanks to high grain prices. On the other hand, there is the processing industry that, fueled by a sky-high demand for potato products, wants more raw materials to meet that demand.
Strong growth in Idaho
Insiders went out earlier this year of 2,5% growth, good for 373.500 hectares. American officials in Washington are taking this a step further. They come up with 384.000 hectares. This means 5,3% more potatoes than were grown in 2022. What is most striking is that 14.100 hectares more potatoes are being grown in the potato state of Idaho this season. A growth of 12%.
With 133.500 hectares, this state is by far the most important potato supplier in the US. Washington – number 2 – follows at a distance with 64.750 hectares. The area there will increase by 3%. The grower organization UPGI in Idaho also did not expect such an area increase. According to the USDA, the high demand for chip potatoes from the industry has caused growers to put considerably more potatoes in the ground.
Shrinkage
In percentage terms, California shows the largest increase, but in hectares the growth of almost a quarter, at 1.600 hectares, is less impressive. Texas, Minnesota and Oregon are the only states showing a decline in production.
What does this unexpected move mean for the final yield in the US? Growing conditions in Idaho are almost perfect this season so far, and crops in Washington are also doing well. It is difficult to say what the final hectare yield will be. Calculated with the long-term average - of 51,55 tons per hectare - you arrive at 19,65 million tons for the thirteen largest states. No less than 1,86 million tons more than was harvested last year, more than 10% more. The difference is partly due to disappointing yields last autumn and a historically small acreage.
Outcome determines
Whether these figures become reality remains to be seen. The main crop of ware potatoes still has eight to ten weeks to grow. That period determines the yield and quality. If the figures indeed turn out as the USDA now outlines them, it means that the American potato sector can bounce back from a slump and better serve domestic demand, while at the same time also obtaining a better export position.