Potato production in the United States: Two-decade update and future sustainable pathways

In the United States, agriculture accounts for approximately 10% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including contributions from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, a staple crop in the American diet. However, limited research has focused on recent trends in US potato production, particularly the contribution of different agricultural inputs and their role in GHG emissions. This study analyzes trends in US potato production using over two decades (1999/2000–2022) of annual survey data from the United States Department of Agriculture/National Agricultural Statistical Service. Key areas of analysis include planted and harvested area, yields, total and unit sale prices, and input usage. The data are further used to estimate GHG from potato production through the Cool Farm Tool for 2000 and 2022. Our findings reveal a 34% and 32% decline in planted and harvested area, respectively, alongside a 22% reduction in total production across all market segments. Notably, yield increased by 15% in 2022 compared to 2000. The overall decrease in potato production aligns with sharp increases in unit price and total potato sales after adjusting for inflation, which rose by 54% and 20%, respectively. Inputs such as nitrogen, phosphorus, herbicides, and insecticides showed consistent reductions in per-hectare and total annual application, whereas potassium and fungicide usage increased. Yield improvements and reduced input usage led to a 39% decrease in total estimated emissions and a 20% reduction in emissions intensity by 2022 compared to 2000. The study highlights site-specific nutrient management and technologies like low-emission fertilizers, renewable energy, carbon sequestration practices, and breeding as future investment priorities.