“The potato industry in general, when you look at some of the product going out and the statistics, 2025 looks to be very strong,” said Gary Shields, executive director of Northland Potatoes. “We have some big yields, but overall, everything is looking bright for the potato industry.”
Last year saw average numbers in the Red River Valley, with some weather challenges impacting the crop.
“We’re actually dealing with some more weather challenges right now, with some of these harsh winter conditions,” Shields said. “But because of the nature of what we do in our area, we are able to deal with weather challenges rather easy, so despite that, things are going great.”
The challenges growers in the region face are no different than any commodity really, Shields noted, pointing to issues like weather and the political climate effecting things.
“Because of the hard work and how things are put in place, we are always able to work through those adversities and I don’t see anything at all that would be considered a major challenge for our industry,” Shields said. “We are trying to work with trade overseas, and that is something we deal with, but we have great teams and organizations working really hard to face any of these challenges that come to us.”
In addition to handling marketing, advertising and promotions, the association also speaks on growers’ behalf for national issues, advocating for their best interests.
“Because we are currently in legislative session, there are a couple of bills we’re working on; one for value-added services as we continue to bring opportunities to North Dakota, and the other pertains to storage regarding taxation and making sure everything is fair and equitable throughout our county,” Shields said. “We are constantly massaging between the two states making sure we have fair taxation.”
Overall, the Red River Valley potato growers are what Shields characterizes as a “chip, process, seed and fresh” industry and each year demand fluctuates for the four segments.
“Overall, our process growers are doing well with their contracts; our fresh growers are doing well with those who they broker with; and we have a very strong seed segment and demand is great,” Shields said. “One of the things that we are working on is our fast-track potato program where we are working with potato breeders and our universities to make sure that we are doing everything we can to bring seed to commercialization.”
Demand in fresh is exceptionally strong, he added, as consumers enjoy taking red and yellow potatoes home to make their favorite recipes.
“But we are seeing more demand for processed potatoes, for example, frozen French fries,” Shields said. “Convenience has always been something that’s trended in the U.S. We offer variety and choices, and I think that’s what the consumer is looking for and that’s what keeps our industry strong. This is a vegetable they can use morning, noon or night in the capacity they want to prepare it.”
