22 |
Potato:
Continued from Page 21
“That seven percent swing is a hit grow-
ers have not experienced before,” he said.
“Most of the growers are in a position where
they can survive this kind of hit for a year,
maybe two. But it’s certainly not a sustain-
able level.”
The combination of lower prices and
higher farming costs means farmers, even
more than usual, will need to manage their
crops to ensure the quality and yields are as
high as possible, Lathim said.
“Everybody’s going to be hyper-vigi-
lant to maximize both yields and quality,”
he said.
That means, for instance, that grow-
ers have planted potatoes only on the high-
er-quality ground, rather than taking a risk
on sowing less-productive fi elds, Lathim
said.
Ward said the turmoil in the potato mar-
ket, and in the economy overall, has slowed
the normal process of planning for the 2021
crop.
In the last week of March he said it was
possible that his family will plant its 2021
potatoes with a commitment from buyers
for volume, but without a signed contract
for a specifi c number of acres.
If that proves out, it will be just the third
time that has happened for the Wards in
more than 30 years, he said.
CHANGES IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
But even with contracts in place, uncer-
tainties will remain.
Ward said the change from the Trump
to the Biden administration raises ques-
tions, most notably with international trade
agreements.
“Trade is vital to Oregon potatoes,” he
said. “Sixty-fi ve percent of the state’s pota-
toes are exported.”
Ward said he will be closely following
the new administration’s approach to trade
with China, a massive market that Oregon
potato growers have not been able to access.
There’s also an unsettled lawsuit with
Mexico regarding the ability of Ameri-
can farmers to sell fresh potatoes in that
country.
The international market news is not
wholly negative, though.
“Japan is a bright spot,” Ward said.
“That’s our number one trading partner.
Our exports are doing quite well there.”
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