CONTACTS:
Jennifer Miller, project coordinator 208-850-6504
Joseph Guenthner, Professor of Agricultural Economics 208-885-6056
Keith Esplin, Potato Growers of Idaho 208-785-1110
Mike Heath, Sunset Butte Organics 208-539-4107

Consumers increasingly want organic Idaho spuds, according to a recent market study conducted by the University of Idaho. Consistent with a national trend of greater demand for organic foods, the demand for organic potatoes could create new opportunities for Idaho farmers, but only if they have a developed marketing plan to capitalize on this trend.

The study, conducted by University of Idaho agricultural economist Joe Guenthner, reports 20 of 23 organic potato buyers across the West see increasing demand. However, Guenthner believes growers should not rush into the organic market without a plan.

"Don't just go plant a pivot of organic potatoes next spring," he says. "We asked buyers if they had any advice for new organic potato growers, and their most common response was line up markets before planting those organic potatoes."

Organic food sales have been growing at a tremendous pace of 20% or more in recent years, compared to 2 to 4 percent for total U.S. food sales, according to the Organic Trade Association.

"In the past couple of years, Idaho potato farmers have become increasingly interested in entering this niche market," says Keith Esplin with the Potato Growers of Idaho.

To help potato growers enter this new market, Potato Growers of Idaho, the University of Idaho and the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides secured grant funding from the Western Center for Risk Management Education to fund the market assessment.

The interviewed organic potato buyers preferred russets, followed by reds and yellows. The survey showed buyers have a strong preference for 50 lb cartons and medium-sized potatoes.

Organic potato growers in Idaho were also interviewed. Most, but not all, said they thought demand for their product was growing.

"I was surprised that not everyone was seeing increasing demand," says organic potato grower Mike Heath of Sunset Butte Organics near Buhl, Idaho. "There are always people calling and wanting more, after we have planted."

A summary of the market assessment results is available at: http://www.pesticide.org/ogmarket.pdf

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