Salute to Idaho Agriculture - Potatoes
The Famous Idaho Potato
SUN VALLEY, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho may be the Gem State, but it’s more so recognized for something else--potatoes.
According to the Idaho Potato Museum, the explosion of potato farming goes all the way back to the 1850s. But why did it happen in Idaho?
Shawn Boyle, president of the Idaho Growers and Shippers association, attributes the hot summer days and cool nights that contribute the successes of the best potatoes...in the world.
“We know that Idaho produces the finest quality potatoes anywhere in the world, there’s a reason why they are famous and it’s not just [that] they’re great to consume here, not just because they make famous French fries, and all the things we know, but it’s because they are recognized around the globe as the best potatoes you can find.”
Another factor that Boyle attributes to potato growing success is volcanic soil; it holds the key nutrients that the plants need to thrive.
Boyle adds that the success of the industry goes far beyond just what’s in the ground.
“I love Idaho potatoes because I know the individuals who are producing those, who are shipping them and they are the kind of people you want to support their business. So great people is what makes the Idaho potato industry amazing.”
All of this is what makes potato farming a billion-dollar industry and is vital to Idaho’s economy.
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