Summer Potato Area Cut

WASHINGTON - Jun 30/09 - SNS -- Summer potato growers in the United States planted an estimated 44,000 acres of potatoes this year, down 6% from last year and 13% below 2007, according to the USDA's preliminary seeded estimates for the year.

Harvested area is forecast at 42,500 acres, 5% lower than 2008 and down 12% from 2007. The reduction in planted and harvested area is due primarily to acreage declines in Texas and the removal of Alabama from the estimating program beginning this year.

Drought conditions and mild temperatures during the growing season resulted in a decrease of potato acres in Texas. Potato acres increased slightly in California where cool temperatures and late season rains resulted in unusual growing conditions but had no significant affect to the summer potato crop.

Wet weather delayed planting in Missouri and States along the east coast. In Colorado, water supplies were adequate but growers continued to face uncertain irrigation water supplies as wells along the South Platte River remained capped due to water rights issues.

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