Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, said the state’s producers aim high and consistently hit the mark when it comes to fresh production. “About 13 percent of Washington potatoes are sold as fresh,” he told The Produce News. “This puts us in the top three or four states for fresh potato production, but really No. 1 for quality. That’s the reason why we have such a heavy presence of potato processors. We produce the most consistent quality of any growing region.”The Washington potato harvest is expected to begin early this year. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Potato Commission)

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 170,000 acres were planted to potatoes in Washington this year.

He was asked how weather affected this season’s crop. “We had a lot of hot weather in June and July and not much rain,” he replied. “We avoided the late blight disease conditions that were present in other parts of the country. But it’s still too early to tell what impact the high temperatures had on the crop. The high temperatures may have taken the top off of our yields, so we are probably looking at an average crop when it comes to yield per acre.”

Although the crop is running one to two weeks ahead of schedule, Voigt said early reports from the field point to a crop of average yield and size profile. “We were concerned about what this high heat would do to quality. But it looks surprisingly good, actually very good,” he commented. “There is still a lot of growing season left for the later varieties so only time will tell how it all turns out. The high heat has backed off so we are returning to ideal growing and harvesting conditions again.”

One can’t talk about the West without talking about drought. But Washington producers are generally faring well. “About 95 percent of the state is under severe drought. But we are fortunate that the majority of our irrigation water actually comes from British Columbia, and they had a decent water year,” Voigt explained. “While the vast majority of our crop will be unaffected by the drought, there are some pockets that are of concern. Total production of our specialty reds and yellows will likely be down due to the drought. We’ll be able to preserve those rich colors our customers love about our specialty potatoes.”

On other fronts, Ryan Holterhoff, WSPC director of marketing and industry affairs, said the commission is once again offering grant funding to help promote and sell Washington state potatoes in foreign markets. “The program is an opportunity for companies to develop potential campaign concepts of how they would increase usage of Washington potatoes within their respective markets,” he explained. “Each grant application must show a dollar-for-dollar match within their campaign. Funding has been allocated for projects focusing on both fresh market and processed potato products.”

Submitted applications are reviewed by the Marketing and Industry Affairs Committee, and recommendations for project funding are made to the full commission. Proposals are due at the commission on Aug. 14. All approved projects must be completed by May 31, 2016.

WSPC and the Oregon Potato Commission will host the second annual, unofficial “Potato Bowl.” This year’s event takes place in Pullman, WA, on Oct. 17 as teams from Washington State University and Oregon State University take to the field. Attendees will be served free baked potatoes and toppings, and the two potato commissions will once again engage in some friendly wagering. The losing team’s state commission will make a potato donation to the winning state’s food banks. Fans will be asked to make a donation to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank Distribution Network.

If last year’s outcome is any indicator of this year’s contributions, both commissions will show their support through donations.