PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregonians have added motivation to mark National Potato Day: the spud holds the title of the state’s official vegetable.
Oregon officially named the potato its state vegetable in 2023, honoring a crop that serves as a cornerstone of the state’s farming economy.
The humble tuber carries another Oregon tie. The state contributes half of the name behind Ore-Ida, the frozen potato brand that blends Oregon with Idaho.
According to the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon accounts for nearly 25% of all French fries exported from the United States.
When state legislators named the potato as the official state vegetable, the Oregon Potato Commission reported that Oregon farmers harvest more than 2.7 billion pounds of potatoes annually.
Potatoes stand as Oregon’s eighth-largest agricultural commodity and the state’s top vegetable crop, generating roughly $200 million each year. The industry supports more than 7,000 full-time jobs.
The potato also shows up in many forms. The International Potato Center reports approximately 4,000 varieties exist around the world.
On the nutrition side, potatoes deliver vitamin C and potassium while containing no fat or cholesterol naturally. They also pack a high carbohydrate content.
So whether baked, fried or mashed, potatoes have secured a spot at plenty of Oregon tables , and National Potato Day gives residents another reason to dig in.
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