Bayer CropScience reveals insights into U.S. potato industry's top needs
Bayer CropScience reveals insights into U.S. potato industry's top needs
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture's crop production predictions, average potato yield per acre increased during the 2013 season. In an effort to propel this upward trend into the new year, Bayer CropScience launched its Potato Perspectives Survey during Potato Expo in San Antonio Jan. 8-10, 2014.
Bayer CropScience collected insights from tradeshow attendees across the food chain to identify potato trends, opportunities and challenges as the industry prepares for the 2014 season.
Through its Potato Perspectives Survey, Bayer CropScience uncovered key issues and growth opportunities for the industry. Key findings include the following:
- 48 percent of potato grower participants responded that early blight and white mold were the most difficult diseases to control during 2013.
- 63 percent of potato grower participants pinpointed the reduction of yield and quality loss due to insects and disease as a critical need to ensure a successful harvest this season.
- 37 percent of retailer participants identified solutions to enhance crop quality as a top necessity for the upcoming season.
- 34 percent of other industry member participants cited the need for solutions to combat disease and pest-resistance issues in the field as a key need in the new year.
- 54 percent of retailer participants cited increased price of potato production and changes in import and export patterns as the most critical concern for the upcoming season, while 33 percent and 25 percent of other industry member participants considered crop loss due to pests or disease and changes in consumptions patterns, respectfully, the most challenging issues for 2014.
- 42 percent of grower participants, 35 percent of retailer participants and 46 percent of other industry member participants believed biotechnology may be able to expand production capabilities and crop yield for the potato market.
"Our commitment to potato innovation is driven by industry needs and demands," Rob Schrick, Horticulture Strategic Business Lead for Bayer CropScience, said in a press release. "We continue to invest in the development of new solutions to meet the industry's evolving needs, and insights from our Potato Perspectives Survey will aid us in providing resources to combat critical crop threats."
