Download the Full Report

Spud Nation

Measuring the Economic Significance of the U.S. Potato Industry

Commissioned by the National Potato Council, Measuring the Economic Significance of the U.S. Potato Industry assesses the national economic contribution of the potato sector on jobs and the economy of the United States. The analysis, authored by economists from Michigan State University, marks a groundbreaking comprehensive assessment on the national economic contribution of America’s favorite vegetable. The report also analyzes the supply chain for potatoes and the level of exports and imports of potatoes and potato products.

The U.S. potato sector is a driving force of America’s economic prosperity. In 2021 alone, the total economic contribution of U.S. potato value chain is estimated to be

Billion
$ 0 +
$ 0 +
On-farm activity and agribusiness services make up approximately 10 percent ($10.8 billion) of the total economic contribution of the potato supply chain, underscoring the significance of largely family-owned potato farms as rural job creators and wealth generators throughout the U.S. economy.

U.S.-grown potatoes and potato-related products deliver direct economic activity (growing, processing, and retail) and support jobs in every corner of the country, generating an estimated

0 +

domestic jobs

which provide

annually in wages & salaries
$ 0 Billion

and contribute

to the annual GDP of the U.S.
$ 0 Billion

The Supply Chain for Potatoes

The U.S. potato supply entails a wide spectrum of activity, from agricultural production, through wholesaling and processing and distribution ending with consumer purchases of final products through retail channels or through food service providers.

The Supply Chain for Potatoes

The U.S. potato supply entails a wide spectrum of activity, from agricultural production, through wholesaling and processing and distribution ending with consumer purchases of final products through retail channels or through food service providers.

Approximately 20 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. are exported in either fresh or processed form, representing a combined $1.88 billion in sales. The total volume of fresh potatoes making up 2021 exports was just under 3.4 million metric tons.

U.S. Exports of Potatoes
2021 Calendar Year. Source: Potatoes USA.

Top 10 U.S. Export Markets for Potatoes
2021 Calendar Year. Source: Potatoes USA.

U.S. Exports of Potatoes
2021 Calendar Year. Source: Potatoes USA.

Top 10 U.S. Export Markets for Potatoes
2021 Calendar Year. Source: Potatoes USA.

GEOGRAPHIC VIEW
Top 10 U.S. Export Markets for Potatoes (Fresh Weight Equivalent in Metric Tons)
2021 Calendar Year. Source: Potatoes USA.

No Data Found

No Data Found

Download the Full Report

Share this to your network:

newsletter

Sign up for the newsletter

The Eye on D.C. is a weekly newsletter for industry and ag policy partners with insights on how NPC is fighting to improve the policy landscape in our nation’s capital.

Sign up
podcast

Subscribe to the podcast

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is brought to you biweekly by NPC, featuring conversations with growers and thought leaders on advocacy, production, and all things potatoes.

subscribe