Potato War: Are they a vegetable or a grain?

There is a war brewing over potatoes. Some farm groups say they are vegetables, while others want them to be classified as grains.

The National Potato Council says the whole debate has become too much.

“There is no doubt that, from a nutrition standpoint, potatoes and grains are different. They have different nutrients. They have some of the same, but they also have very different nutrients. I would say that advocates are there to promote their particular perspective, and they, for whatever reason, believe they don’t have a bias, while the industry does have a bias. I think, again, that’s very inaccurate because they interpret the research the way they choose to interpret the research,” said Beth Johnson.

Potatoes were big business earlier this month at this year’s Potato Expo. Leaders say it was the second-largest crowd since the event began.

Related Stories
China’s buying decisions continue to be a critical factor in shaping cotton prices and export opportunities worldwide.
Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Transportation challenges are mounting as droughts lower Mississippi River levels and push freight rates higher.
Listen to Alex’s Dirt Diaries episode today on all podcast platforms or tune into Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147 to listen, weekends at 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET.
Waiting could risk leaving next year’s crop unprotected.
Michigan corn farmer and NCGA Vice President-Elect Matt Frostic will lead the task force. He joined us on Thursday to share his insights on the escalating corn crisis.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty shares tips for fall and winter to guide landowners and farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insights from a recent study, discusses EV market access in Canada, and highlights other market opportunities top of mind for Canadian producers.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom shares how recent trade talks are influencing U.S. red meat global sales and the importance of key trade agreements like the USMCA.
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig recaps discussions surrounding a potential federal aid package for farmers and shares insights on producer sentiment in the Heartland.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.