In 2024, the combined potato production of the United States and Canada was estimated at approximately 27.6 million tons, marking a 4% decrease from the 2023 figures. This downturn reflects a complex interplay of environmental challenges, regional disparities, and market dynamics that have influenced potato cultivation across North America.
United States Production Overview
The United States reported a potato production of 417.8 million hundredweight (cwt) in 2024, a 5% decline from the 440.1 million cwt produced in 2023. This reduction is attributed to a 4% decrease in harvested area, totaling 923,100 acres, and a slight 1% drop in average yield to 453 cwt per acre. Notably, while states like Washington, Oregon, Michigan, and Maine achieved historically high yields, others such as Florida and Wisconsin faced yields 10% and 9% below their previous five-year averages, respectively.
Regional Variations and Challenges
- Idaho and Washington: These states continued to lead U.S. potato production, contributing 32% and 24% of the total crop, respectively. However, Idaho experienced a 6% production decrease, totaling 135.2 million cwt, influenced by a reduction in planted acreage and environmental factors.
- Wisconsin: Faced with unseasonable spring rains, Wisconsin’s average yield dropped to 380 cwt per acre, the lowest since 2002, resulting in an 11.5% production decline to 25.08 million cwt.
- Florida: Severe weather events, including hurricanes and above-average temperatures, led to a significant 31% decrease in Florida’s potato production, totaling 4.1 million cwt.
Canadian Production Insights
In contrast, Canadian potato growers harvested a record 127.0 million cwt in 2024, marking a modest 0.3% increase from the previous year. This achievement is largely due to favorable weather conditions and an increase in harvested area. Provinces like New Brunswick and Quebec saw production increases of 14.3% and 17.5%, respectively, as they recovered from the wet conditions experienced in 2023. Alberta maintained its position as the largest potato-producing province, accounting for 23.7% of the nation’s output.
Market Implications and Outlook
The decline in U.S. potato production has several implications for the agricultural sector:
- Supply and Demand: Reduced production may lead to tighter supplies, potentially influencing market prices and availability for processors and consumers.
- Trade Dynamics: With the U.S. experiencing a production downturn and Canada achieving record harvests, trade flows between the two countries could be affected, especially concerning processed potato products like frozen French fries.
- Future Planning: Farmers, agronomists, and agricultural engineers may need to adapt to these changes by exploring resilient crop varieties, adjusting planting schedules, and implementing advanced farming practices to mitigate the impacts of environmental challenges.
The 4% decline in combined U.S. and Canadian potato production in 2024 underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience in agriculture. By understanding regional challenges and leveraging favorable conditions, stakeholders can navigate these fluctuations and work towards sustainable production practices that ensure food security and economic stability in the potato industry.
