Non Technical Summary
In 2024, the United States (U.S.) potato fresh market represented a $1.10 billion industry, 23% of the potatoes produced in the U.S. Fresh potatoes are also important for U.S. exports. In 2022, U.S. potato exports reached a record $ 2.1 billion in sales. Canada (37.5%), Mexico (26.6%), Japan (8.7%), and Taiwan (5.7%) were the top export markets for U.S. fresh potatoes. This integral industry faces significant challenges both internally and externally. Within the U.S., despite potatoes being the most consumed vegetable in the country, consumption of fresh potatoes has been in decline, falling by about 20% during the 1970s, and trending lower again since 2000. On the other hand, there is a growing consumer interest in processing potatoes, which represents 88.3% of potato utilization. Externally, U.S. exports have been affected by phytosanitary problems and protective regulations, which reduce accessibility to markets abroad. In addition to other challenges, such as variety selection, sprout control, mechanical injuries, and defects, these diseases add more obstacles to the fresh market. Recognizing the importance of the fresh potato market for the U.S., and especially for Idaho, the Potato Team of the University of Idaho is committed to organizing the "1st Fresh Pack Potato Symposium" in Twin Falls, ID, to address the most recent challenges of this market segment. The goal of this symposium is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and technology in this important potato industry in Idaho and the U.S.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
503	1310	1020	30%
604	1310	3010	10%
204	1310	1020	10%
606	1310	3010	10%
205	1310	1020	40%

Knowledge Area
204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest); 205 - Plant Management Systems; 604 - Marketing and Distribution Practices; 503 - Quality Maintenance in Storing and Marketing Food Products; 606 - International Trade and Development;

Subject Of Investigation
1310 - Potato;

Field Of Science
3010 - Economics; 1020 - Physiology;

Goals / Objectives
In 2024, the United States (U.S.) potato fresh market represented a $1.10 billion industry (Potatoes USA, 2024), 23% of the potatoes produced in the U.S. (5.13 MMT or 91.7 million cwt), USDA (2023a). Fresh potatoes are also important for U.S. exports. In 2022, U.S. potato exports reached a record $ 2.1 billion in sales and 515.2 metric tons (MT) in volume (Potatoes USA, 2023b). Canada (37.5%), Mexico (26.6%), Japan (8.7%), and Taiwan (5.7%) were the top export markets for U.S. fresh potatoes.This integral industry faces significant challenges both internally and externally. Within the U.S., despite potatoes being the most consumed vegetable in the country, consumption of fresh potatoes has been in decline, falling by about 20% during the 1970s, before stabilizing during the 1980s and 1990s and trending lower again since 2000 (Toulabi et al., 2022). On the other hand, there is a growing consumer interest in processing potatoes, which represents 88.3% of the potato utilization (USDA, 2023). Value-added potatoes were reported as convenient and a consistent product, with flexible storage options and longer shelf-life helping consumers to reduce waste and keep potatoes on hand continuously (Potatoes USA, 2023a). Millennials represent 37% of fresh potato consumers with a 48% preference for instant preparation compared to a 20% preference for ready-to-cook fresh potatoes (Potatoes USA, 2023a). Externally, U.S. exports have been affected by phytosanitary problems and protective regulations. Recently,Potato mop top virus(PMTV) and powdery scab (Spongospora subterraneanf. sp.Subterranean) have been reported as significant quality problems, which reduces accessibility to markets abroad. In addition to other challenges, such as variety selection, sprout control, mechanical injuries and defects, these diseases add more obstacles to the fresh market.Recognizing the importance of the fresh potato market for the U.S., and especially for Idaho, the Potato Team of the University of Idaho is committed to organizing the "1stFresh Pack Potato Symposium" in Twin Falls, ID, to address the most recent challenges of this market segment.The specific objectivesof this project are:Objective I:(Extension) to convene research, teaching, extension, and industry professionals, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and fresh potato producers for the dissemination of knowledge through presentations and hands-on activities. These will focus on topics pertinent to the fresh potato market, such as future market quality requirements, storage, pests and diseases, as well as export requirements. The goal of this symposium is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and technology in this important potato industry in Idaho and the U.S.Objective II:(Extension) to provide opportunities for discussion and networking to various segments of the fresh potato market and to enhance the visibility of knowledge and technologies developed in Idaho and the U.S., thereby solidifying the country's position in the global potato market.

Project Methods
APPROACHFor our overall objectives, we suggest a two-day symposium consisting of oral presentations on the first day and packaging-house visits on the second day. Please find the symposium program below.Symposium programNOVEMBER 12th 2025ACTIVITIESTIMERegistration08:00-09:00 amOpening:Future quality requirements for the U.S. fresh pack potatoesName: to be confirmedWalmart09:00-09:50 amBreak10:00-10:30 amSection I: Challenges for the internal marketConsumer's requirements and trendsName: John LundeenInstitution: Potatoes USA10:30-11:00 amVarieties best suited for fresh market useName: Jonathan WhitworthInstitution: ARS-USDA, Aberdeen - ID11:00-11:30 amMechanical injuries and defects in fresh potatoesName: Nora OlsenInstitution: U of I, Kimberly Research and Extension Center11:30-12:00 pmLunch12:00-01:00 pmSection II: Challenges for the export marketOverseas market requirementsName: to be confirmedInstitution: to be confirmed01:00-01:30 pmPhytosanitary pests and diseasesName: to be confirmedInstitution: to be confirmed01:30-02:00 pmSprout suppressants and regulationsName: to be confirmedInstitution: to be confirmed02:00-02:30 pmBreak02:30-03:00 pmSection III: New technologies: packing-house and packagingAutomation and AI in packing-housesName: to be confirmedInstitution: to be confirmed03:00-03:30 pmIntelligent modified atmosphere packagingName: to be confirmedInstitution: to be confirmed03:30-04:00 pmSection IV: Q & A sectionName: to be confirmedInstitution: to be confirmed04:00-05:00 pmClosing receptionCanyon Crest Event Center05:00-07:00 pm