Minimum pack size divides Idaho potato industry

Sometimes size does matter, but not when consumers are buying bags of russet potatoes, according to research results presented at the Idaho Grower Shipper Association convention.

“Consumers don’t see an issue here. If they want big potatoes, they buy from the loose bins,” Frank Muir, president of the Idaho Potato Commission told IGSA attendees on Aug. 31. “So you are going to have to take this information back home and digest it.”

That digestion process has already left a sour taste in the communal mouth of the Idaho potato industry, which Muir said, is split on whether to increase the minimum pack size of russets from 4 ounces to 5 ounces.

Some growers support the increase because they think the resulting reduced volume of fresh russets will boost the price. Other growers see no reason for otherwise good potatoes to go to processors, who pay less than fresh buyers.

The option of increasing the pack size came up during the 2010 whistle-stop tour that Muir does every November to discuss the IPC’s marketing campaign with growers, shippers and processors. Ultimately the decision will be made by a vote under the guidelines of the marketing order that governs the Idaho potato industry.