The Empire State Potato Growers Inc. is a nonprofit grower association representing approximately 150 commercial potato growers in New York State.  Our websites include www.empirepotatogrowers.com, www.nypotatoes.org, www.nypotatoes.net, www.nypotatoes.us, www.nypotato.org, www.nypotato.net and www.nypotato.us.

MISSION

It is committed to providing information, legislative and research support, grower education and a unified voice for the betterment of New York’s potato industry.

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

NY growers grow about 20,500 acres of crop for seed, fresh and processing.  New York’s potato growers are 13^th in the nation in potato production.

The NY potato industry crop is valued at $65.3 million and production amounts to 5.2 million cwt.

NY growers grow many varieties including round whites, reds, yellows, russets, fingerlings and potato varieties for chips.

Many potato growers in NY grow fresh potatoes. Some producers grow and package their own potatoes. Others grow and sell to others to package them. You can find NY grown fresh potatoes at New York local farmers markets, grocery stores and produce stands.

NY potato farmers also grow potatoes for chips. NY grown potatoes can be found in Wise, Utz, Herr,  Terrells and  Cape Cod potato chip products. Bubbas Chips and North Fork Chips are grown and made by NY farmer/ processors.

The best potatoes are grown from the best seed. NY farmers also produce the highest quality potato seed available.

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Information

 

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FUND    Ron Edgley, chairman of the grower funded Research & Development Advisory Committee is requesting researchers submit research and development proposals for consideration by the R & D  Committee. Any grower or industry representative who has ideas on proposals should contact Ron or the ESPG (877-NY-SPUDS.)    The projects are funded with voluntary GROWER and industry contributions. The Empire State Potato Growers, Inc. matches all funds contributed.     The primary goal of any submission should be that it have a direct, positive impact on the NYS potato industry. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 15th. Please send 7 copies of the proposal to Edgley at HCR 1, Box 47, Cascade Rd., Lake Placid, NY 12946, 518/523-3996. MARKETING FUND    Ralph Child, chairman of the Marketing & Promotion Fund for the Empire State Potato Growers, Inc. is  pleased to announce the committee is accepting formal proposals for consideration by the Marketing & Promotion Committee. Any grower or industry representative who has ideas on marketing &/or promoting of NYS potatoes should submit a formal proposal to the committee via Ralph or the ESPG (877-NY-SPUDS.)    The marketing projects are funded by the Empire State Potato Growers, Inc. and should have a direct, positive impact on the marketing & promotion of NYS potatoes. Please send 4 copies of the proposal to Child at Child Road, Malone, NY 12953, 518/483-1239. ESPG COOPERATIVE ADVERTISING PROGRAM    Members of the Empire State Potato Growers are encouraged to take advantage of the corporation’s innovative marketing and promotion program that supports new and exciting marketing strategies through a 50/50 cooperative advertising program. It is an opportunity for individual growers, who are willing to take the initiative to advertise and promote their own product, to get support from the ESPG. Growers who have participated in the past have been pleased with the results. Contact the ESPG office for details.        NY SEED GROWERS    New York Seed Improvement Project: Alan Westra, Manager, Cornell University, 103C Leland Lab, Ithaca, NY 14851. 607/255-9869 fx-9048. Email: aaw4@cornell.edu Website: http://seedpotato.new york.cornell.edu WNY GROWERS Chipping Potato Grower Group offering quality chipping potatoes and same day delivery: Jim McCormick 585.322.7274. CONSUMER ~ FOOD SERVICE ~ EDUCATORS INFORMATION    United States Potato Board, 7555 East Hampden Ave, Suite 412, Denver, CO 80231. Phone: 303/369-7783 fx-7718.  Consumer Website: www.healthypotato.com. POTATO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA    The Potato Association of America is the official society for those interest in advancing the potato industry worldwide. University of Maine, 575 Coburn Hall, Room 6, Orono, ME 04469-5715. Website: http://www.ume.maine.edu/PAA/

SCHOLARSHIP

The Empire State Potato Growers Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of a scholarship for undergraduate students, residing in New York state, pursing college studies in New York state, benefiting the agricultural industry. All applications will be considered.

It will be provided at the rate of $500 per academic year, for up to 4 consecutive years of undergraduate education. Full-time academic study in the field of agriculture must be pursued. 

Selection will be based on the following criteria: Agricultural-related areas of undergraduate study (i.e. Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Crop & Soil Sciences, Entomology, Food Sciences, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Economics), academic achievement, leadership abilities and NYS residency. 

Anyone in the potato industry should encourage qualified applicants to apply. Application forms can be downloaded directly from this page or, application forms are available online or by writing or calling: 

Scholarship Fund

Empire State Potato Growers Inc.

PO Box 566, Stanley, NY 14561

585/526-5356 

Completed application forms must be postmarked on or before January 15 to be considered. 

The winner will be honored at Empire Farm Days at the Rodman Lott & Son Farms, Seneca Falls. The show is sponsored by the Empire State Potato Growers Inc. 

ESPG SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

’08 Emmaline Long CALS @ Cornell University

’07 Allyson Jones-Brimmer CALS @ Cornell University

’06 Callin Ayers, Pike, NY Alfred State

’05 Betsey Howland, Candor, NY CALS @ Cornell     

’05 Jonathan Mahany, Dansville, NY Alfred State

’04 Ryan Goupil, Chazy, NY CALS @ Cornell

’03 Christopher P. Crandall, Medina, NY CALS @ Cornell

’02 Brandon Kaness, Pavilion, NY SUNY Morrisville

’01 Kristen Keryk, Middleport, NY CALS @ Cornell

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