Cavendish Farms, a key player in North America’s frozen potato processing industry, is set to invest $150 million in its Jamestown, North Dakota plant. This major initiative promises to revolutionize operations and solidify the plant’s role in the region’s agricultural economy for the next 20 years.
Boosting Capacity and Enhancing Infrastructure
The largest segment of the investment—$100 million—will fund the expansion of the plant’s building, upgrade the fryer system, and improve overall working conditions. These changes will expand the production capacity from 410 million pounds of potatoes annually to 450 million pounds, a significant leap that aligns with the rising demand for frozen potato products.
An additional $15 million will go towards packaging upgrades, ensuring faster and more efficient processing of finished goods. Another $30 million will finance a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, allowing Cavendish Farms to manage its environmental footprint independently of the City of Jamestown.
A Lifeline for Local and Regional Potato Growers
The Jamestown plant sources its potatoes primarily from North Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska—states that collectively play a significant role in U.S. potato production. In 2023, North Dakota ranked fifth nationally in potato production, followed by Minnesota (eighth) and Nebraska (tenth), according to USDA data. National potato production increased by 9% from 2022, with processing potatoes seeing a 3% rise.
Gary Shields, executive director of Northland Potato Growers, emphasized how processing expansions like this benefit growers:
“We love to see growth. Expanding processing means more opportunities for our growers to market their products and help feed the world.”
This expansion is critical for growers, particularly in mitigating risks such as localized weather challenges and disease outbreaks. By drawing from a large geographical footprint, Cavendish Farms helps ensure a steady supply of potatoes for processing.
Sustainability and Future-Proofing
The inclusion of the wastewater treatment plant signals Cavendish Farms’ commitment to environmental sustainability. By taking control of wastewater management, the company is poised to reduce its ecological impact while maintaining efficient operations. Furthermore, these advancements allow the facility to continue processing with minimal downtime—just 10 days during construction—underscoring its operational resilience.
Cavendish Farms’ $150 million investment in Jamestown is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it’s a statement of confidence in the potato industry and the region’s growers. By increasing production capacity, improving sustainability, and creating a better environment for workers, this expansion benefits farmers, food producers, and consumers alike. As global demand for processed potato products continues to rise, investments like this will be key to maintaining a robust and sustainable supply chain.
