Spring Potato Up 5% on Year

WASHINGTON - May 11/07 - SNS -- Spring potato production should end up 5% larger than last year in the United States, according to the USDA.

This year's crop is forecast at 20.7 million cwt (100 pound units), down 1% from the April forecast but 5% above last year. Area for harvest is estimated at 70,400 acres, up 1% from April and 4% above last year. The average yield is forecast at 294 cwt per acre, 4 cwt below last month but up 1 cwt from a year ago.

Florida production is forecast at 7.73 million cwt, down 2% from the April 1 forecast but 20% above the 2006 production. Florida's winter potatoes were combined with spring potatoes in 2007. Mostly dry weather during April allowed growers to maintain proper soil moisture levels for harvest, resulting in very good quality potatoes.

North Carolina's potato crop is forecast at 2.76 million cwt, down 5% from the April 1 forecast and 15% below last year. Below average temperatures during April lowered yield expectations but growers are still optimistic about the quality of the potatoes.

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