Oregon state seed report 2024

Oregon Seed Certification Service (OSCS) certified 3,364 acres of seed potatoes, continuing a trend of a slight increase in acres for the last six years. The service was able to accept all lots and had no rejections for 2024.

Oregon had a very good growing season and hopes of a good harvest are high going into the fall. Every year the wildfire season is longer and that was true this year as well, which brings smoke and a reduction of sun. The weather should remain mild for harvest.

Clearwater Russet has continued as the No.1-produced potato for the last four years, topping out at 494 acres this year. The top five include Lamoka, Waneta, Gala and Ciklamen. The majority of seed is home-grown from Oregon (37.6%) this year, with Nebraska seed (36.7%) a close second.

Most fields were planted with FY2 seed and will produce FY3 generation seed. Oregon continues to complete the postharvest test in greenhouses. This allows the potatoes to be planted once they have completed the dormancy- breaking process and reduces the environmental effects of growing outside. All lots in Oregon are required to have a postharvest grow out to be eligible for re-certification.

— Tami Brown, potato program coordinator, Oregon Seed Certification Service