Net Decline in U.S. Potato Harvest

WASHINGTON - Apr 10/07 - SNS -- A smaller winter potato harvest will only be partially offset by increased spring output, according to the USDA's latest crop forecasts.

Winter potato production for 2007 is forecast at 2.47 million cwt (100 pound units), 14% below the January forecast and 45% below last year.

Florida winter potatoes were combined with their spring potatoes for the 2007 crop. The California production is 21% below 2006. Area for harvest in California, at 11,500 acres, is unchanged from January but down 4% from a year ago. The average yield of 215 cwt per acre is down 35 cwt from January and 45 cwt below a year ago. Freezing temperatures in January damaged the crop, resulting in lower yield potential.

Spring Potato production in 2007 is forecast at 20.8 million cwt, up 5% from last year and 11% above two years ago. Area for harvest is forecast at 69,800 acres, 3% above 2006. The average yield is forecast at 298 cwt per acre, up 5 cwt from a year ago.

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