EPHRATA, Wash. — Potato growers in Grant County, Wash., have begun the 2015 planting season.
Washington State produces more than 20 percent of all potatoes grown in the United States and ranks first in global per-acre yield of potatoes, according to the Washington State Potato Commission.
Chick-fil-A, who is opening three restaurants in the state this month, sourced more than 438 million pounds of Washington potatoes in 2014 and sources all of their potatoes from Washington State.
“We know that our customers care about where their food comes from and how it’s made; to be able to see firsthand the fields where the potatoes are grown is something so few restaurants can provide,” said Paul Rosser, franchise owner of Lynnwood’s Chick-fil-A.
Commission spokesman Ryan Holterhoff attributes the combination of sun, controlled water sources and nutrient-rich soil as the key factors in making the state the ideal place for growing potatoes.
Potato farmer Ted Tschirky said the success has brought more attention and recognition to the rural areas of the state.
“It is a great opportunity for us to showcase what makes our growing region so special. It’s one of the reasons we are able to provide the world’s best quality and most consistent supply of potatoes,” Tschirky stated.
Source: iFiberOne