2005 USDA Potato Crop Report In: Potatoes Remain Excellent Value.

DENVER, Colo. -- Yesterday the USDA released its 2005 potato crop report indicating that potato growers across the United States have planted an estimated 1.11 million acres of potatoes in all four seasons this year. This number is down 7 percent from last year, but signals a healthier industry that will continue to produce high quality potatoes that are an excellent nutritional value.

"We are pleased with the news," explains CEO Tim O'Connor of the United States Potato Board (USPB). "It shows that the growers are responding to industry programs and planting their crops strategically to ensure a robust industry for years to come." Mother Nature also contributed unseasonably wet weather, hitting key growing regions during spring planting.

Potatoes are America's favorite vegetable and provide several important nutrients. According to a USPB consumption study, 80 percent of respondents stated that they eat potatoes nearly twice a week. The USDA reports that per capita consumption is estimated at 136 pounds for 2004. "Given that potatoes are ubiquitous in our diets, it's good news that they are an economical source of so many important nutrients," states Kathie Beals, PhD, RD, FACSM and nutrition consultant to the USPB. "One medium (5.3 ounce) potato with skin is an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, and a good source of fiber for 100 calories. Potatoes are fat-, cholesterol- and sodium-free." Containing 720 mg per serving, potatoes top the list of sources of potassium, a vital nutrient, among the 20 top-selling fruits and vegetables.

Potatoes are also an excellent food value because they fill you up for, literally, pennies. A study conducted by researchers from Australia sought to determine which foods promoted the greatest feelings of fullness or "satiety". The researchers tested the satiety value of 38 different foods representing all the basic food groups. The highest SI score was produced by boiled potatoes, which was more than three times the SI of white bread. Potatoes are low in calories so they fill you up but not "out."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently included potatoes on its list of the top 20 most antioxidant-rich foods. The list included the Russet potato, the most common variety consumed by Americans. Further research by scientists in the potato industry indicates that potatoes of color, particularly red- and purple-skinned varieties and yellow-flesh potatoes, contain high levels of antioxidants as well.

Potato growers throughout the U.S. report in to the USDA with planting information. While acres are down, growers are optimistic that the crop in the ground will be of excellent quality.

The USPB was established in 1971 by potato growers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. In June of 2005, the USPB won a prestigious Silver Anvil Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America for its work in educating consumers about the excellent nutrition profile of potatoes. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the USPB represents more than 6,000 potato growers and handlers across the country.