Potato News from Colorado

Agronomist, plant breeder, farmer. writer, philanthropist, mentor, potato ambassador, leader, Dr. Charles Higgins has been doing all those things for the better part of the past 50 years.

The MyPlate National Strategic Partner Team recently recognized Potatoes USA with the Gold MyPlate Champion Achievement for actively participating in the MyPlate national strategic partnership and promoting MyPlate to important audiences.

United States' seed potatoes are a unique commodity for their exceptional quality, multiple varieties and stringent certification process. That was the message participants took away from the biannual Seed Symposium, hosted at Potatoes USA’s Denver headquarters in July.

Potatoes USA, the national marketing, research, and promotion board for the potato industry, elected Shelley R. Olsen as Chair of the Board at its annual meeting. Potatoes USA also announced its Executive Committee members to lead the organization through 2024-2025.

In October 2023, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack launched the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to build demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets around the world.

Nutrien Ag Solutions announces the acquisition of Suncor Energy’s AgroScience assets, which consists of several patented and patent pending technologies in the area of biocontrol.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of 32 members to Potatoes USA’s Board of Directors.

Potatoes appeared on nearly 83% of all U.S. restaurant menus in 2023, demonstrating the staying power of America’s favorite vegetable as a top menu performer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) recently announced funding for a four-year, Potatoes USA-supported research project to develop and evaluate potential alternatives to neonicotinoids for pest management of potato crops.

Trimble announced a definitive agreement to form a joint venture with AGCO to better serve farmers with factory fit and aftermarket applications in the mixed fleet precision agriculture market.

A new generation of potato farmers uses cutting-edge instruments and methods to progress farms and preserve the soil for future generations all over the United States, often in unexpected areas.

United States potato exports reached record value and volume in the 12-month period from July 2022 – June 2023. Export values increased 19.05% to USD 2.2 billion, and export volume increased 3.85% to 3.3 million metric tons (fresh weight equivalent).

United States retail dollar sales of potatoes increased 16.8% July 2022 – June 2023, which closed with a strong quarter (April – June 2023) that saw retail dollar sales growth of 14.5% compared to the same period last year.

Jackson’s®, the leader in kettle-cooked sweet potato chips made in pure premium avocado oil, continues to expand its sweet potato chip line with the release of Habanero Nacho Sweet Potato Chips with Avocado Oil.

Potato retail sales increased 16.0% in sales but decreased in volume by -4.4% from January - March 2023 compared to the same timeframe a year ago. Despite a decrease, volume sales remain above pre-pandemic levels.

Jeff Jennings of Camden, North Carolina, was reappointed to the Potatoes USA Executive Committee on March 15, 2023, at the organization’s Annual Meeting. Jennings is starting his sixth year on the Board and will serve his fourth year as Chair of the Finance and Policy Committee.

We can all agree that potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable, but a recent Potatoes USA survey investigated different regions’ preferred, nutritious ways to eat the mighty spud.

Potatoes USA, the marketing and promotion Board for the potato industry, elected new leadership during its Annual Meeting on March 15, 2023.