“While we grow both red and yellow varieties, this event is dedicated to elevating the red potato, an often-overlooked gem or ruby, as I like to call it in the produce world,” Jacey Kuersteiner, the group’s office manager. “Throughout both days, we’ll be roasting red potatoes in an air fryer right at our booth, offering attendees a warm, flavorful experience that showcases their subtly sweet flavor and smooth, creamy texture.”

Their size makes them a perfect plate companion to proteins, she said, and the association is working to inspire people to see red potatoes not just as a side dish, but as a star ingredient.

“From soil to spotlight, we’re redefining the red potato and giving it the attention it truly deserves,” Kuersteiner said.

The Northland Potato Growers Association has booth No. 2363.

The IFPA Show’s mid-October dates overlap with the Red River Valley potato harvest, and many growers are unable to attend. However, TJ Hall, a grower, shipper and packer, will be on hand to answer questions.

“He’ll be available to share insights on what makes our red potatoes exceptional and how buyers can access the current crop,” Kuersteiner said.

Hall’s wife, Katie Hall, who manages the farm office, will be cooking and serving samples, and Kuersteiner will also be at the booth.

The Northland Potato Growers’ booth is designed to resemble an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with a twist. Instead of sundaes and cones, representatives will serve the potatoes.

Red and yellow tablestock potatoes will be on display, and the booth features general information about the organization, including details on growers, the unique growing conditions of the Red River Valley and how to purchase fresh potatoes from the region.

Kuersteiner will be promoting a bold and playful marketing campaign designed to elevate the profile of red potatoes and capture the attention of buyers. The central message is “From soil to spotlight, red potatoes have never looked so sexy,” and sets the tone for a season-long effort to reframe red potatoes as a nutritional powerhouse.

“The campaign aims to inspire retailers, distributors and consumers to see red potatoes not just as a side dish, but as a vibrant, health-forward ingredient with broad appeal,” Kuersteiner said.

She said one of the most exciting aspects of the show is the camaraderie among fellow competing growers.

“Our team values the chance to connect not only with buyers, but also with fellow growers,” Kuersteiner said. “These interactions foster shared learning, mutual respect and a sense of pride in the industry as a whole. It’s not just about selling potatoes, it’s about celebrating the people who grow them.”

Gary Shields, executive director for the Northland Potato Growers Association, said it’s been a wetter growing season than last year in some regions, including the Crystal and Grand Forks areas in North Dakota.

“However, the growing conditions have been average to good this year,” Shields said. “Tuber set is lower this year, and yield probably won’t be as high as last year.”

North Dakota plants about 75,000 acres and Minnesota has about 45,000 acres. The red and yellow acres in North Dakota are about 25 percent, whites are 32 percent and russets are 43 percent of the acres. In Minnesota, the acreage is about 18 percent reds and yellow, 9 percent whites, and 73 percent russets.