Northern Plains Potato Growers Association Quick Facts

• The Northern Plains Potato Growers Assn. (formerly Red River Valley Potato Growers Assn.) is made up of nearly 300 growers and shippers across North Dakota, Northwestern Minnesota, and extreme Eastern Montana. The charge of the association is marketing, legislation, research, and communication for the potato industry covering fresh, chip, process and seed production.
• In 2008, North Dakota ranked 4th in the nation in potato production at 2.23 billion pounds.
• In 2008, Minnesota ranked 6th in the nation in potato production at 1.90 billion pounds.
• North Dakota and Minnesota produce about 11% of the entire U.S. potato crop.
• North Dakota ranks 2nd in the nation in certified seed production.
• The Red River Valley Region is the largest producer of red potatoes in the country. It is sometimes called the “Idaho” of Red Potatoes.
• The Red River Valley is unique because nearly all of the potatoes grown for the fresh market are non-irrigated. This along with the richest soil in the world gives Red River Valley potatoes their rich flavor and color. Potatoes grown just outside the Red River Valley and in Central and Western North Dakota are irrigated and used for french fry production.
• The Northern Plains potato production approximately breaks down like this: Fry Processing: 62%; Seed 14%; Chip 7%; and fresh 17%.
• Major varieties are - Processing: Russet Burbank, Norkotah Russet, and Shepody); Table Stock: Norland and Yukon Gold; Chips: Norchip, Dakota Pearl, and Frito Lay.