E-mail: nass-ny@nass.usda.gov
(518) 457-5570

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  Greg Lemmons
Friday, July 9, 2010

www.nass.usda.gov/ny


                   NEW YORK POTATO ACREAGE DECREASES 

New York potato growers planted an estimated 16,200 acres of potatoes this 
year according to Stephen Ropel, Director of USDA’s National Agricultural 
Statistics Service, New York Field Office. This is down 5 percent from 2009. 
Acres for harvest is forecast at 15,600, down 5 percent from last year. 

U.S area planted to fall potatoes in 2010 is estimated at 896,100 acres, down 4 
percent from the 2009 crop year. Harvested area is forecast at 882,300 acres, 
also down 4 percent from 2009. 

Idaho growers reduced planted area 8 percent from last year. If realized, this will 
be the fewest planted acres since 1980. Washington producers planted 7 percent 
fewer acres than a year ago. If realized, this will be the lowest planted area since 
1992. Oversupply and prices deterred producers from increasing acreage. 
Oregon growers reduced planted area 5 percent from last year. The crop got off 
to a slow start. Cool, wet conditions slowed growth. 

In Maine, planted area dropped 1 percent from the previous year. Warm, dry 
conditions encouraged growth. In Colorado, producers started planting earlier 
than usual and finished ahead of the usual pace. Producers continued to 
voluntarily limit acreage this year for water conservation and supply 
management. 

In North Dakota, warm, dry weather allowed planting to begin earlier than normal 
and was 40 percent planted by April 25. Planting remained ahead of average and 
was virtually complete by May 30. Nearly all of Minnesota potatoes were planted 
by May 23. Due to recent rains, some operators had to replant their acreage, 
while some decided not to replant. 

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7-09-10 

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