Americas

Potato production plays a crucial role in the agricultural economies of the Americas, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico being major producers. In 2024, the U.S. planted 941,000 acres of potatoes, a 2% decrease from 2023, while Canada harvested 127 million hundredweight (cwt) in 2023, reflecting a 2% increase, and Mexico saw a 6% rise, reaching 43.8 million cwt. Cultivation practices vary across regions; in the U.S., potatoes are typically planted in spring and harvested in late summer to early fall, while in the Andean highlands, year-round cultivation thrives through varying altitudes that match different climate zones. Potatoes grow best in well-drained, loamy soils, with irrigation commonly used in arid U.S. regions, and traditional terracing and water management systems supporting farming in the Andes. Popular U.S. potato varieties include Russet Burbank, Red Norland, and Yukon Gold, while indigenous varieties such as Peruanita and Yungay dominate in the Andes. Ongoing agricultural research by institutions like the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) continues to enhance potato yields, disease resistance, and soil health, ensuring the sustainability and nutritional value of potatoes across North and South America. This research-driven approach supports the continued success of potato farming, a vital crop in the Americas' agricultural landscape.
                                                                                                                                                                                   (NASS, Economic Research Service)

The potato originated over 8,000 years ago in the Andean region of South America, particularly near Lake Titicaca, where indigenous peoples of present-day Peru and Bolivia domesticated wild potato species. This early cultivation led to the development of diverse potato varieties suited to a wide range of ecological zones. Introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the late 16th century, the potato eventually spread worldwide, becoming a staple food crop across many cultures. In the Americas, particularly in the Andean highlands, potatoes have long been central to traditional diets and sustainable agricultural systems.