The start of the California potato season is expected to be delayed this year due to cooler than normal conditions during the growing season, according to producers. White potatoes will be the first to be harvested, shortly followed by yellows and reds, respectively.
"Although the date is not locked in yet, we should begin harvesting our spring white potatoes between May 2 and 7," shared Tom Drulias of T.D. Produce Sales in Bakersfield. "Yellows will start a day or two after that, with reds following about a week after the white potatoes. The cooler than normal winter and spring means that California will be starting a week to ten days later than usual."
Some red acreage replaced
A fair amount of red potato acreage out of the Kern County region has been reduced and largely replaced with white and yellow varieties. This looks like a reaction to the relatively poor market conditions for red potatoes over the past few years.
"Last year the market was not very good for red potatoes so as a result, acreage in the district is down from last year," Drulias explained. "In Kern county, red acreage is down by 35 percent, which is quite significant. By contrast, white potato acreage is up 13 percent while yellow acreage is up 15 percent. Therefore the acreage has shifted in response to the market conditions."
Market to be strong
Prices for California potatoes are expected to be good as the national potato market continues to ride favorable conditions. Although the red market has been soft in recent years, the reduced volume should have a positive effect. Suppliers also note that general red potato inventory is less than it has been for some time, boosting hopes for better prices this year.
"We expect that the red potato market will be better this year with less volume available," Drulias observed. "Additionally, the nation as a whole seems to have fewer reds in storage, however there will still be adequate supplies until at least May. Last year, both white and yellow potatoes enjoyed pretty solid prices and we expect much the same this year. The popularity of yellows continues to increase as it has done for the past ten years or so."
"T.D. Produce Sales is the exclusive selling agent for 'Big L' Packers here in California," he continued. "For the upcoming season, we are anticipating a good quality crop."
For more information:
Tom Drulias
T.D. Produce Sales
Ph: +1 (661) 328-9700
tom@tdproduce.com