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Published: Feb. 12, 2020, 10 a.m.

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\\u201cI try to remind folks that we aren\\u2019t going to run out of potatoes. We still have 13 billion pounds of potatoes that we are shipping across America and around the world.\\u201d

Frank Muir (7:20-7:35)

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Frank Muir has served as the President and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission for the past 17 years. He is leading the charge to help consumers around the world understand that Idaho potatoes are delicious, nutritious, and extremely affordable.\\xa0

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The media is buzzing about a \\u201cpotato shortage\\u201d that could leave us fry-less.

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Concerned consumers and businesses alike have been writing in to The Produce Moms to get the scoop on the potato shortage. With dramatic headlines insinuating that America could run out of potatoes - Frank Muir wittily described it as French Fry Famine Fear - we decided to go straight to the source to gather some facts, and put minds (and stomachs) at ease.\\xa0

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In 2019, an early frost and inclement weather from Hurricane Dorian threatened to destroy potato crops not just in Idaho, but in the midwest and parts of Canada.\\xa0

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Idaho farmers and harvesters worked around the clock days before the frost to gather as much of the harvest as possible and were able to get 85% of the crop into storage before the severe weather took out the rest.\\xa0 Some of the remaining crop was salvageable. The yield varied between 0-5%, meaning some fields did experience a total loss.\\xa0

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While it\\u2019s hard to determine the long-term impact of a loss of this magnitude, many focus on the loss without taking time to consider all of the facts.\\xa0

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The 2019 harvest yielded 13 billion pounds of potatoes! That\\u2019s enough to fill an entire football stadium end-to-end and one mile high.\\xa0

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The bottom line: There are still plenty of potatoes for everyone.\\xa0

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\\u201cThey aren\\u2019t just good to eat, but they\\u2019re actually good for you. We\\u2019ve made big strides in returning the Idaho potato to its rightful pedestal as America\\u2019s favorite vegetable.\\u201d\\xa0

- Frank Muir\\xa0 (2:30-2:45)

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The Harvest Cycle of the Idaho Potato.\\xa0

To fully comprehend the impact of a diminished harvest on the farmers and consumers alike, it\\u2019s helpful to understand a little bit more about the harvest cycle of Idaho potatoes.\\xa0

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In Idaho, potatoes are grown along the Snake River Plain that stretches across the bottom third of the state. Potatoes are harvested only once per year, and are then placed in extremely sophisticated climate controlled storage facilities, where they wait to be shipped, sold, and eaten by you!\\xa0

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If you do your best to mimic the climate controlled environment utilized by Idaho potato distributors, your potatoes can last much longer!\\xa0

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\\xa0\\u201cAt the end of the day, Idaho potatoes are, dollar for dollar, one of the most nutrient dense foods in the world. I don\\u2019t know if there is a more affordable commodity in the produce department.\\u201d\\xa0

- Lori Taylor (19:05-19:20)

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Impact on the Consumer.

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As a Produce Mom, I\\u2019m sure you are very familiar with the concept of supply and demand. When supply is down, price increases.\\xa0

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So, how will this affect our potato purchases?\\xa0

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While there\\u2019s potential for price to increase as the Idaho potato supply tightens, the potato will remain a frugal, nutrient-dense purchase.\\xa0

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Consider this - even if Idaho potatoes doubled in cost, they would still only cost on average between $2.00-$5.00 for a 5lb bag.\\xa0

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Can you think of another vegetable in the produce section that you can purchase for $1 per lb?\\xa0\\xa0

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\\u201cPotatoes are the most economical vegetable you can purchase. Even with a tightening supply and prices going up a little bit, it\\u2019s still going to be the most valuable return for produce that you can purchase in the grocery store\\u201d - Frank Muir (9:45-10:15)

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\\u2018Potato Lovers Month\\u2019\\xa0

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Did you know that February is the month to celebrate potatoes?\\xa0

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Baked, fried, or instant, Idaho loves potatoes and wants the world to celebrate with them.\\xa0

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Be on the lookout for displays in one of the over 5000 local grocery stores who participate in the annual display contest, and follow the Idaho Potato Commision on social media to join in the fun!\\xa0

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The Takeaway.

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The media outlets have overdramatized the potato crop shortage, leading consumers to believe that the crop may not last through the year.\\xa0

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The Idaho Potato Commission is still promoting and advertising, alongside the vast number of restaurants and grocery stores.

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So, never fear, the salty companion to your ketchup should stay hot, fresh, and ready to be dipped for the duration of 2020.\\xa0

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When you\\u2019re shopping, always look for the \\u2018Grown in Idaho\\u2019 seal, to buy the very best potatoes have to offer!

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How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!\\xa0
• Reach out to us - we\\u2019d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.\\xa0
• Be sure to check out The Produce Mom podcast EP39, also featuring Frank Muir, to learn more about why the Idaho potato is so special.
• Visit the Idaho Potato Commission\\u2019s website for recipes and more, and follow them on social media to join in all of the \\u2018Potato Lover\\u2019 fun!

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If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we\\u2019d love for you to help us spread the word!

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