• An estimated 319,000 acres of Idaho® potatoes will be harvested from late August through October 2009, producing nearly 12 billion pounds of potatoes. That’s enough potatoes to fill 500 NFL football stadiums.
• The majority of Idaho’s potato fields are devoted to growing Russet potatoes like Burbanks, Norkotahs, Rangers and Westerns. The remaining acreage – approximately 6 percent – will yield new, niche varieties. Idaho produces about 25 different varieties. Niche varieties include:
  • Golds: Milva, Yellow Finn and Yukon Gold;
  • Reds: Cal Red, Red La Soda and Norland;
  • Fingerlings: Russian Banana, Ruby Crescent, French Fingerling and Purple Peruvian;
  • Other Varieties: All Blue and Huckleberry.
• It takes approximately 4 minutes to harvest and fill this potato truck with Idaho® potatoes.
  

  Photo provided by the Idaho Potato Commission

• The average American eats approximately 126 pounds of potatoes each year!
• According to a recent survey (February 2009), potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable. Potatoes (26%) out-ranked corn (19%) and broccoli (17%) in overall popularity.
• Idaho® potatoes” and the “Grown in Idaho®” seal are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the Idaho Potato Commission. These Certification Marks ensure consumers that they are purchasing the consistent quality and taste found only in potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.
• Idaho grows roughly one-third of the U.S. fall potato crop.



• The eastern region of Idaho is one of the largest potato-producing regions in North America. Roughly 60% of the total Idaho® potato crop comes from this area of the state.
• The Idaho® potato industry contributes approximately $2.7 billion to Idaho’s economy.
• Sixty two percent of all Idaho® potatoes are used to make processed products such as frozen and dehydrated; 29% are shipped fresh and 9% are grown for certified seed.
• Consumers in the state of New York use the highest amount of Idaho® potatoes, followed by Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas.
• The exceptional quality of Idaho® potatoes is a product of the state’s rich volcanic soil, warm days, cool nights and an adequate supply of clean water for irrigation.

Nutritional Return on Investment (ROI) of Idaho® Potatoes

• One Idaho® potato has only 110 calories, contains zero fat and zero cholesterol.
• Each spud is packed with nutrition including 45% daily value of vitamin C, nearly two times as much potassium as a banana, fiber, protein, vitamin B6 and complex carbohydrates, which are essential for anyone on the go.
• At less than 25 cents per potato, Idaho® potatoes are an affordable addition to any meal.

History

• The Russet Burbank potato was developed by American horticulturist Luther Burbank (1849-1926) in 1872. While trying to improve the Irish potato, Burbank, later known as “the plant wizard,” developed a more disease resistant hybrid. He sold the rights to his namesake potato for $150 and established the now world famous Gold Ridge Farm in Santa Rosa, California. By the early 1900s, Russet Burbanks began appearing throughout Idaho. The IPC was founded in 1937 as the Idaho Fruit and Vegetable Advertising Commission, to leverage the nation’s growing appreciation for vegetables, including Idaho-grown potatoes. It was the first official body to promote fruits and vegetables from the Gem State. The IPC celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2007.
• Please visit www.IdahoPotato.com for more than 500 nutritious and delicious Idaho® potato recipes.
• The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.