Abstract
The amount of potato acreage in the United States has remained generally stable in recent years, although there are some regional variations. According to data for 2023, the potato planting area in the United States is estimated to be approximately 960,000 acres. This is not a big change from the past few decades, but it is characterised by an overall downward trend. Major producing areas, particularly Idaho and Washington, have maintained relatively constant acreage, while other states tend to increase or decrease acreage depending on market demand. Growers are adapting their planting plans flexibly to adapt to climate change and market price fluctuations. For this reason, regional differences are likely to continue in the future.
Potato planting area
The amount of potato acreage in the United States has changed significantly from 1866 to 2023. After hitting a peak of 3.9 million acres in 1922, current planting area is only about 24.6 percent of that amount. In the past, peak years were influenced by sudden increases in demand and advances in agricultural technology, but in recent years, the area under cultivation has been shrinking due mainly to changes in market demand, improved agricultural efficiency, and crop diversification. In addition, fluctuations in potato prices and climate change are affecting growers’ decisions, leading to a reduction in planted area. Going forward, producers are likely to continue to adapt flexibly to market demand and environmental conditions.
The maximum is 70.8kACRES[2007] of US TOTAL, and the current value is about 78.5%
Amount of land planted to potatoes (50 US states)
Minnesota acreage in U.S. potato production has seen notable changes between 1866 and 2023. In particular, in 1922, Minnesota recorded the largest planted area with 486,000 acres, but today its area is only 9.38% of that amount. This significant decline is driven by several factors. First, there is the diversification of agriculture in Minnesota. Advances in agricultural techniques and changes in market demand have led to increased production of crops other than potatoes. Climate change and changes in land use are also contributing to the reduction in cultivated area. Additionally, fluctuations in potato prices and the impact of pests and diseases are impacting growers’ planting choices. In addition, demand for potatoes is changing from region to region, with a shift towards more productive areas. As a result, planted acreage in Minnesota is declining and production is increasing in other states and regions. Going forward, we will likely need to continue to respond flexibly to changing climate and market conditions.
The maximum is the latest one, 14kACRES of CALIFORNIA
Potato planted area (latest year, 50 US states)
Based on 2023 data, total potato planted area in the United States is about 947 thousand acres. Among them, Idaho boasts the largest planted area at 330,000 acres and has established itself as the center of potato production. On the other hand, the average planted area is 72,900 acres, with Idaho being noticeably larger. Historically, potato acreage in the United States has varied significantly by region, influenced by technological advances and fluctuating market demands over the past few decades. Idaho, in particular, is known as a major potato-producing region, thanks to its efficient irrigation system, fertile soil, and favorable climate. The state’s large acreage is more productive than other states and supports a steady supply. Other states also plant potatoes, but not on the same scale as Idaho, so the average acreage overall is relatively small. In the future, advances in production technology and adaptation to climate change will be required, and there is a possibility that we will see fluctuations in the cultivated area from region to region.
The maximum is 6.34kACRES of NEW YORK, the average is 583ACRES, and the total is 19.2kACRES
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