U.S. potato production expected to decline 5% in 2024, export value reaches record high

This represents a decrease of just over 5% from the previous year. Idaho and Washington, the leading potato-producing states, are expected to experience declines of 6% and 4%, respectively. Conversely, Maine and Michigan are projected to see increases in their potato yields. These projections are influenced by a range of factors, including adverse weather conditions affecting key potato-growing areas. Optimal growth conditions for potatoes include nighttime temperatures in the 50s and 60s and daytime temperatures below 80 degrees.

Extreme weather events, particularly in 2020 and 2021, impacted potato transportation, affecting the supply chain for McDonald’s French fries, which are primarily made from potatoes sourced from the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Despite these challenges, North American supply chains for fries remained unaffected. The Canadian potato sector, ranking fifth in the country’s crop production, is on track to produce a record yield in 2024, continuing a trend of increasing outputs.

While the U.S. has seen a decrease in potato export volumes, the value of these exports reached a record $2.3 billion from July 2023 to June 2024, with Mexico being the largest export market. The harvesting of potatoes, a labor-intensive process, varies by variety, generally starting in July and extending through October. In the U.S., potato chips are the most consumed potato product at home, whereas other fried potato dishes dominate restaurant consumption.