As Idaho's potato growers begin this year's harvest, they've encountered a market with low prices. Even though volumes are expected to be lower than they were last season, high transportation costs may make it difficult for growers to recoup their costs this year.“It's going to be a smaller crop this year,” said Road Laird of Eagle Eye Produce. “Not only will we have less quantity, but sizes are going to be smaller.” He pointed to inconsistent weather during the growing season as a reason for the smaller crop, and though it's too early to tell just how much smaller this season's crop will be than crops from previous years, the weather has all but ensured that this year's return will be smaller.
While production will be less than it was last year, it's doubtful whether less volume will lead to better prices for growers. While the overall crop is smaller, sizing this year will likely skew smaller. Those smaller sizes, which typically go to retailers, will help make sure consumers don't see higher prices due to supply-side issues. The food service industry, which generally prefers larger sizes, may see constricted availability. As it is, growers are not seeing any benefit, in terms of pricing, to fewer potatoes this year.
“We're hoping the market will strengthen, because, right now, prices aren't good enough for producers to make money,” said Laird. “Some of it has to do with transportation costs that have skyrocketed, especially in the last few weeks.” Prices for a carton of Norkotah potatoes have been up to $8.00 for larger sizes and as low as $6.00 for smaller prices.
For more information:
Rod Laird
Eagle Eye Produce
+1 208 557 2528