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Expect fewer potatoes thanks to 2019 weather

An industry leader says consumers should prepare for fewer potato products on store shelves and some higher prices. Tamas Houlihan with the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association says, “Yes, there is going to be a shortage. I don’t think it has quite hit home yet.”

Houlihan tells Brownfield growers in Wisconsin were able to get most of their crop in after a devastating 2018 season, but other regions weren’t so lucky. “This year, it happened out west. Idaho and Montana both had an early frost. North Dakota is in a world of hurt. They had a tremendous amount of potatoes lost, about 30% of their crop, I would say.”

Houlihan says growers in the U.S. are expecting up to six percent fewer potatoes and Canadian growers are anticipating losses between seven and nine percent, all at a time when demand is strong. “Some of our major processors like McCain Foods, and Lamb Weston, and Simplot are trying to scramble to find potatoes to meet demand. In a normal year, they would still be looking for extra potatoes.”

He says consumers can expect to pay more while finding fewer French fries, tater tots, hash browns, and other processed products on store shelves.