Potato production in North America stable

Total production in the US and Canada is estimated at 24,8 million tons. Last year, revised figures showed 24,9 million tons harvested in these countries. The difference is barely 0,3%.

Production is indeed higher than the five-year average. In that respect, there is a trend, as potato production has increased significantly over the past three years compared to previous years.

Major growth in Canada
Potato production, particularly in Canada, has seen a significant increase in recent years. While areas have expanded, yields have also increased. In recent years, over 2,5 tons more per hectare have been harvested than between 2016 and 2020. This difference alone represents a 7,5% increase. Furthermore, areas in the same comparison have increased by an average of 12%.

All told, Canadian production over the past three years has been 1 million tons higher than the average from 2016 to 2020. This year's harvest forecast is 5,75 million tons, roughly the average of the past three years.

Smaller differences in the US
In the United States, the differences in this regard are much smaller. Over the past three years, an average of 19,1 million tons were harvested. That's 1,4% more than in the years 2016 through 2020. This year's harvest forecast fits perfectly within this picture, as a harvest of 19,1 million tons is also expected this year.

Prices have been declining for the past three years, at a rate of -5% per year. The USDA projects an average price of $25,8 per 100 kilos for all potatoes in 2024, which translates to approximately €23,50 per 100 kilos. The lowest prices are being paid in Idaho, the leading potato state, where an average of €18 per 100 kilos was paid there last year, according to figures from the US Department of Agriculture.