The potato growers of Washington are continuing their mission to get 1 million pounds of the 1 billion pounds of unprocessed potatoes to those in need. Ninety percent of all the potatoes grown in Washington State are sold to restaurants and other food service establishments.

The foodservice industry shutdown has resulted in processed potato production slowing or stopping altogether. This is causing huge economic impacts on the potato industry. With about 1 billion pounds of potatoes that were in storage ready to be processed into french fries, wedges, tots and hash browns, the shutdown has left the farmers with a harvested crop unable to be processed, and a new crop that will be turned away because of what is left. This will cause total devastation to our farmers. Some of the smaller growers will not make it out of this crisis.

A new study, published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, shows that when recreationally active men and women eat white potatoes after exercising, glycogen is regenerated as effectively as it is with commercial sports nutrition products.

Happy Earth Day everyone! Here in Washington State, our potato growers go out of their way to help protect and preserve the environment so their fields and our lives can be as healthy as possible.

Cheesy ground beef casserole with potatoes is perfect for breakfast or a potluck! Like cheeseburger scalloped potatoes, this will become a family fave.

Many families in Washington state depend on food banks for their food security. Recently, with businesses closing resulting in rising unemployment, many people are having to look to their local food bank for the very first time.

Air fryer breakfast potatoes with bell peppers topped with cheese are great with eggs, or make breakfast for dinner some night! Cheap and full of flavor.

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) director Derek Sandison released the following statement regarding agriculture, food production, and food distribution.

COVID-19 is creating significant disruptions to daily life in the Inland Northwest. During this crisis, more people than ever may need to turn to a food bank or pantry to get essential groceries.

Peer reviewed research and a recent survey of registered dietitians nutritionists has shown the potential negative impact on fruit and vegetable consumption caused by the so-called “dirty dozen” list.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (MAFF) in Japan has informed USDA that U.S. chipping potatoes will be allowed to enter year-round starting February 14, 2020.

The french fry market is growing. For Washington State exports world sales by dollar value has increased 10% from the 2018 calendar year.

This week potato farmers gathered in Olympia meeting with state legislators, staff members, and agency personnel. Family potato farm perspectives were shared, communicating various challenges, and expressing the need to fund soil health research.

February is one of the most important months of the year if you ask us…it’s POTATO LOVERS MONTH!