Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a long-established potato industry supported by its temperate climate, productive soils and proximity to major fresh-food and processed-food markets in the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States. Potatoes are grown across several agricultural areas of the state, with production historically concentrated in regions such as Lehigh County and the Northern Tier. Today, Pennsylvania remains particularly important for potato processing, with a strong specialization in potatoes destined for the potato-chip industry, while fresh-market and specialty potatoes are also produced.

Pennsylvania's potato production serves both processing and fresh markets. The state's chip industry is a major outlet, although much of the raw material used by processors is sourced from outside Pennsylvania. Fresh-market growers supply wholesalers, retailers, farm markets, restaurants and other local and regional outlets. Penn State Extension notes that demand for locally produced and specialty potatoes has created opportunities for smaller growers, including production of potatoes with different skin and flesh colors. Recommended cultivars for the northeastern United States include Atlantic, Snowden, Katahdin, Kennebec, Yukon Gold, Gold Rush, Superior, Dark Red Norland and several specialty types.

Production is adapted to Pennsylvania's generally well-drained soils, with potatoes performing best in loose soils with a pH of about 5.5–6.5. The crop is generally harvested from mid-July through October, depending on cultivar and production conditions. Disease management, certified seed, crop rotation and careful handling are important because diseases such as late blight can affect production and storage quality. Pennsylvania also has a history of potato research and cultivar development through Penn State and cooperative regional breeding programs, including work focused on varieties suitable for chipping and fresh-market production.

Potato cultivation became an important component of Pennsylvania agriculture during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Lehigh County potato region developed between about 1850 and 1910 within the diversified farming system of the Great Valley. From approximately 1910 to 1960, Lehigh County became the state's leading potato producing area, with potatoes becoming a major cash crop. Production was supported by specialized potato cellars and other farm-building adaptations, while access to eastern cities provided important markets.

Potato production was also historically significant in northern Pennsylvania, particularly Potter County. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, potatoes formed an important part of the county's diversified agriculture. Potter County became especially prominent in certified seed potato production: experiments with certified seed began there around 1919–1920 and a major potato research and breeding program developed during the 1920s. By 1948, Potter County reportedly produced about 90% of Pennsylvania's certified potatoes. Across the state, however, potato acreage subsequently declined substantially as agriculture changed and production became more specialized. USDA statistics show harvested acreage falling from about 34,500 acres in 1970 to 7,800 acres in 2011.