KTVB

2008 has been a good year for Idaho potato growers.

EAGLE -- The 2008 growing season was spectacular for Idaho spuds, according to the Idaho Potato Commission.

The combination of warm days, cool nights and just the right amount of rainfall created the perfect growing environment for Idaho famous potatoes.

The Idaho Potato Commission represents potato processors, shippers and growers, and expressed confidence that consumers will be more than pleased with the quality of potatoes that will soon be headed to grocery stores.

Idaho Potato growers are expected to harvest about 300,000 acres, producing approximately 11 billion pounds of the signature spuds during the harvest, which runs from August through October. After harvest, 62 percent will be processed into frozen or dehydrated potato products; 29 percent will be shipped fresh to supermarkets and restaurants nationwide; and 9 percent will be used for certified seed -- to grow more potatoes next year.

"Hands down, this was a terrific growing season," said Frank Muir, President and CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "The growing conditions were perfect for our famous russet potatoes, and many farmers are expanding into other potato varieties like reds, fingerlings and Yukon Golds as well, giving consumers more Idaho Potato varieties than ever before."

The Idaho Potato industry contributes $2.7 billion -- more than 15 percent of Idaho's gross state product -- to the state's economy each year and accounts for roughly one third of the U.S. fall potato crop. Sixty percent of the crop is produced in eastern Idaho, making it one of the largest potato-producing regions in North America.