AgLab, a new science-education website operated by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is now available to student and educators alike at https://aglab.ars.usda.gov/" data-type="url">https://aglab.ars.usda.gov/ .

Geared toward k-12 students with an interest in food and science, AgLab offers a variety of content to promote a greater understanding of how agricultural research is helping meet the food, fiber, feed, and fuel needs of a growing world population while also safeguarding our environment and natural resources.

For example, students considering career fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) may be especially interested in AgLab’s “20 for 30” offering. It profiles young researchers on the rise at ARS- starting with Jaqueline Serrano, an entomologist who is with the agency’s Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato, Washington.

Produced by the ARS Office of Communications, AgLab operates with the recognition that today’s students are tomorrow’s farmers, scientists, policy makers and consumers. With this latest iteration, the website reaffirms its commitment to making sure kids have access to information about agricultural research in a way that’s fun, timely and significant. 

It’s official, we would like to introduce the new Washington State Potato Commission app for Androids and iPhones! This new app has several convenient features including a recipe vault, a supplier tab, and a Team Potato tab. Folks who see us at athletic events will be able to enter their information on the app and receive some of our awesome swag. We will be adding more features to the app soon, like the ability to read Spud Topics articles (if you are on the email list). Once the software is developed, we will be able to send out push notifications on urgent matters and meeting reminders.

To download the app, visit the app store and search “Washington State Potato Commission”. You should see an app with our logo listed at the top of your screen. From there, download and enjoy!

Total potato sales at retail were at five-year record highs for both dollar and volume sales in 2020. Dollar sales increased by 16% compared to 2019 and all categories, except deli-prepared sides, grew by double-digit dollar sales. Dehydrated potatoes recorded the highest sales increases in dollars by 30% and volume sales by 25%. Canned and bottled potatoes saw the second-largest dollar increase at 29%, and frozen potatoes had the second-largest volume increase at 23%. The largest growth in dollar and volume sales for potatoes occurred from April through June, although all months grew by over 9% for both metrics.

Fresh potato sales increased by almost 21% in dollars and 15% in volume. All types increased in dollar and volume sales by at least 6%. Within the fresh potato category, medley potatoes had the highest dollar and volume sales increase with dollar sales by 34% and volume sales by 38%. While all package sizes saw double-digit growth in dollar sales, one-pound through four-pound bags saw the largest increase, growing by 24% in dollars and 19% in volume. Five-pound bags make up 47% of all package sizes bought at retail and grew in dollars and volume sales by double-digits compared to 2019.

Click on the following Potatoes USA links to see the complete reports for 2020 Total Potato Sales and 2020 Fresh Potato Sales.