Ten years ago, Frank Muir, president and chief executive officer of the Idaho Potato Commission, presented the industry with a challenge. “Our goal is to become a one-stop-shop state,” he told The Produce News. “We’re definitely there.”

The challenge did not go unheeded. Muir said Idaho has gained a favorable reputation for production of Burbanks and Norkotahs over the years. “We weren’t a big variety market 10 years ago,” he noted. Today, the state’s producers are also growing reds, yellows and fingerlings. “Our soil is perfect for growing all varieties,” he added. “We have one group that specifically grows fingerlings.”Frank Muir

The industry continues to fund research to bring new varieties into commercialization, thereby diversifying its stock and embracing consumer and foodservice preferences.

Muir said chefs are always looking for something new to incorporate into their dishes. “New varieties enhance Russets, not replace them,” he observed, adding that incorporation of potatoes also helps restaurants bring down the per-plate cost for dishes containing protein.

Looking at the 2015 crop, Muir said, “I’m really encouraged by what I’m seeing.” Idaho is home to approximately 600 farms which grow potatoes for the fresh market and process. In all, potatoes are grown on approximately 324,000 aces, and he said producers are expected to move 13 billion pounds of potatoes this season.

While the number is staggering, he gave it a graphic frame of reference, saying this volume would fill 500 football fields to a height of 10 feet. “That’s a lot of potatoes,” Muir said.

By early September, 50 percent of the potato harvest in western Idaho had been completed. “The challenge on the eastern side of the state is that there was a lot of moisture,” Muir said. “Right now, there is heat.”

While the number of tubers will be down somewhat, Muir said, “We will have an average size profile this season. We will have fewer small potatoes than last year. We will have ample supplies for all uses.”

Harvesting will finish in mid-October. “Quality looks very good to excellent,” he added, saying he expects pricing to be favorable.

Idaho potatoes are certified as heart healthy by the American Heart Association, and Muir said use of the AHA logo has been negotiated for Idaho potato growers for packaging.

Approximately 40 percent of Idaho’s potato volume is sold to the fresh market, and Muir said 57 percent of fresh supplies are moved offshore. “We target higher-end demographics. We’re definitely looking at expanding [export],” he said. “Idaho has worldwide trade recognition. It’s a brand of quality image.”

One of the biggest challenges, he said, is logistics. The recent port shutdowns affected volume moved to the processing sector. “Processors had to adjust,” he continued. “It certainly made it more difficult.”

The commission is fully invested in ongoing trade missions. “We have representatives that go on every governor’s trade missions,” Muir commented.