Strong demand has made for quick movement of supplies from last fall's potato crop in Idaho. This success comes despite a 2013 crop that was smaller than the previous year's crop.
“I think it's been a good, solid year,” said Frank Muir, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. Fewer acres planted meant last fall's crop was smaller than the previous season's crop. Muir chalked that up to crop rotation on the part of growers, who chose to plant fewer potatoes, as well as a large 2012 crop that made the 2013 crop seem smaller in comparison. Good demand, however, has made for quick movement of the smaller crop.
“Strong demand has had growers shipping ahead of last year, even with a smaller crop,” said Muir. “Prices are holding strong—even increasing—from what they were last year, driven by a smaller crop.” Muir credits a robust marketing effort with driving demand, with a national advertising campaign and strong retail programs.
Source: Fresh Plaza