EEUU: The area dedicated to potatoes in Idaho is likely to decrease in 2026.

Ryan Wahlen of Pleasant Valley Potato predicts significant reductions in potato acreage. "Some growers have lost their farms, others have been denied bank financing for potato cultivation, and many are seeing their processing contracts reduced. In some cases, this has resulted in a forced reduction of acreage," he explains.

This situation unfolds despite a larger potato supply this year compared to the previous one. "The prices tell the story," Wahlen adds. "Relative to the cost of cultivation, these are historically low prices, leading to unprecedented losses for producers. After 26 years in this business, I’ve never witnessed prices this poor."

While Idaho experienced a robust potato harvest during the 2025-2026 season and demand has been strong—with shipments surpassing last year’s figures—the state still has an ample supply. Potato orders are expected to remain readily available through late July and August.  

However, Idaho’s unusually warm winter has introduced complications. "As the season progresses, production decreases," Wahlen says. "This winter has been the warmest one I can remember, and it has negatively impacted the quality of stored potatoes. That shift in quality helps rebalance the supply."

Looking ahead, potato planting could begin as early as the first week of April, thanks to the mild weather. Yet, after this challenging year, some growers are opting to diversify and plant alternative crops like wheat, corn, or sugar beets. Unfortunately, even these options offer little reprieve, as market prices for those crops also remain below production costs.

As planning ramps up for the next growing season, Wahlen underscores a critical challenge for 2025-2026. "There will be immense pressure on industry sales groups to set prices that allow growers to break even," he emphasizes. "It costs roughly $12 per sack to grow potatoes, but right now Idaho growers are receiving anywhere between $2 and $4 per sack. The gap is unsustainable, putting incredible strain on the entire sector."

The ongoing financial pressures have already taken a toll on Idaho potato growers, who’ve faced losses for two consecutive years. "At some point, any reserve capital they’ve built up will run dry, making refinancing for potato farming nearly impossible," warns Wahlen. "If we want this industry to survive, prices must at least match production costs so growers can sustain operations another year. That’s an undeniable reality."