Modest Increase in All Potato Area

WASHINGTON - Jul 12/07 - SNS -- Potato growers across the United States have planted an estimated 1.15 million acres of potatoes in all four seasons this year, up 1% from last year and 4% above 2005. Area for harvest, forecasted at 1.13 million acres, is also up 1% from a year ago and 4% above 2 years ago, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

Area planted to fall potatoes for 2007 is estimated at 1.01 million acres, up 2% from last year and 4% above 2005. Harvested area is forecast at 996,200 acres, up 2% from 2006 and 5% above 2 years ago. This increase is due in part to low ending processing stocks.

Western States fall potato area is estimated at 642,000 acres this year, up 5% from last year and 6% above 2005. Idaho growers increased their planted acreage 6% from last year. The crop progress in Idaho is ahead of the 5-year average and crop conditions on July 1 were 87% good to excellent. Washington producers planted 6% more acres than a year ago. Oregon growers increased acreage 4% from last year with most of the increase in early maturing varieties to cover processing contracts.

Montana's fall potato acres are up 2%, Nevada's acres increased 14%, and New Mexico growers planted 10% more acres. Planted acres in Colorado dropped 1% and California producers decreased acreage 4%. In Colorado, a major wind storm followed by a frost at the beginning of June damaged a significant portion of the crop. Although the crop has recovered, development is behind the usual pace and sizing is a concern.

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