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EAGLE, Idaho, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ --
The 2008 growing season was spectacular for Idaho spuds. The combination
of warm days, cool nights and just the right amount of rainfall created the
perfect growing environment for America's most famous potato. The Idaho
Potato Commission (IPC), representing Idaho Potato processors, shippers and
growers, is confident that consumers will be more than pleased with the
quality of potatoes that will soon be piled high in their grocers' produce
bins.
Idaho Potato growers are expected to harvest about 300,000 acres,
producing approximately 11 billion pounds of the signature spuds during the
harvest, which runs from August through October. After harvest, 62% will be
processed into frozen or dehydrated potato products; 29% will be shipped
fresh to supermarkets and restaurants nationwide; and 9% will be used for
certified seed -- to grow more potatoes next year!
"Hands down, this was a terrific growing season," said Frank Muir, President
and CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "The growing conditions were perfect for our
famous russet potatoes, and many farmers are expanding into other potato
varieties like reds, fingerlings and Yukon Golds as well, giving consumers more
Idaho Potato varieties than ever before.
With more than 16 potato
varieties, including organic, grown
in Idaho, it's no wonder that
potatoes are America's favorite
vegetable. Annual per capita
consumption of all frozen,
dehydrated and fresh potatoes in
2007 was approximately 126 pounds.
With more and more consumers
realizing the nutritional return on
investment (ROI) of one Idaho
Potato, that number is sure to grow.
For less than a quarter, one spud
provides 110 calories, almost half
the daily vitamin C requirements,
nearly two times as much potassium
as a banana, fiber and loads of
important vitamins and minerals. Not
to mention, potatoes are fat and
cholesterol free.
The Idaho Potato industry contributes $2.7 billion -- more than 15
percent of Idaho's gross state product -- to the state's economy each year
and accounts for roughly one third of the U.S. fall potato crop. Sixty
percent of the crop is produced in the eastern region of Idaho, making it
one of the largest potato-producing regions in North America.
Founded in 1937 as the Idaho Fruit and Vegetable Advertising Commission,
the IPC, made up of nine commissioners representing processors, shippers and
growers, is the national authority on the world's best-loved potato: The
Idaho Potato. The IPC is funded by a tax levied on all Idaho-grown potatoes
based on hundredweight, with the monies used to advertise, promote, research
and improve the state's potato crop.
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily
responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho grown potatoes through
advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of
the "Idaho Potato" and "Grown in Idaho" seals, which are federally
registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure
that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of
Idaho.
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