Oregon State Potato Seed Report 2023

In 2023, Oregon Seed Certification Service (OSCS) certified 3,277 acres
of seed potatoes, 197 acres more than 2022. There were no lots rejected this year, though we did have several lots that were not accepted due to the percent PVY on the incoming seed. While we have not heard from the two growers lost in 2022, we did pick up one more grower in the Baker County area. Overall, most of the seed lots looked very nice and were relatively free of disease during field inspections.

Most growers reported a good planting and growing season. Several growers mentioned harvesting more potatoes than expected.

For the third year, Clearwater Russet was the No. 1 single variety produced in Oregon at 526 acres. Ciklamen remained the No. 2 single variety with 385 acres. Gala, Lamoka and the Frito Lay varieties rounded out the top 5.

The majority of Oregon fields are planted with Nebraska-grown seed, which has been the trend for several years now. With Nebraska, Oregon and Montana contribute the most seed to Oregon growers, which is almost 75% of Oregon production. See our web page under “Seed Report and Directory of Growers” for a complete listing of varieties produced and sources.

Oregon virus testing for the winter grow-out has historically been sent to Idaho or North Dakota laboratories. Over the last few years, we have worked with the OSU Seed Lab to complete this testing locally. There are several reasons to make this change, including the worry of shipping samples in the winter. Also, both labs are very busy at that time of year with their own samples. We are very pleased that this year we are using our own lab exclusively for our testing needs.

For more information, click here.

— Tami Brown, Oregon Seed Certification Service