United Potato Growers asks Idaho farmers to withhold potato shipments

United Potato Growers of America issued an open letter asking farmers in Idaho to withhold some potato shipments to help shore up potato prices and prevent a shortage later this year.

A hot growing season meant farmers dug up fewer potatoes compared to last year, the trade group said. Keith Esplin, executive director of the Potato Growers of Idaho, said the smaller yield means there could be a shortage of quality potatoes later this year.