A key staple in American cuisine, potatoes have a rich history that predates the founding of the United States. These tubers are not only a dietary favorite but also a cornerstone of the agricultural sector across Pennsylvania and roughly 30 other states.
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show provided a platform for the Pennsylvania Co-operative Potato Growers to share insights on this beloved vegetable.
America’s Beloved Crop
Research by Potatoes USA has identified potatoes as America’s favorite vegetable. First cultivated in the nation during the 1700s, potatoes have remained a dietary staple as the country marks its 250th anniversary in 2026.
Nathan Tallman, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Co-operative Potato Growers, emphasized the state’s historical connection to potato cultivation. “We have a very rich history in Pennsylvania growing potatoes,” he remarked, noting his family’s long-standing involvement in potato farming.
Haley O’Brien
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WVIA News
With a plethora of potato varieties now cultivated in Pennsylvania, the industry continues to advance with technological innovations. Tallman noted, “Equipment is changing all the time. Growers used to work with two-row equipment. Now they’re up to 16-row equipment.” This evolution aims to meet consumer demand for new and higher-yielding potato varieties.
Pennsylvania is home to more than two dozen potato farms, with the growing season spanning from August to April. Local farmers supply their produce to a range of buyers including wholesalers, retailers, and potato chip manufacturers.
Haley O’Brien
/
WVIA News
Known as the “snack food capital of the world,” Pennsylvania supplies potatoes to chip manufacturers like UTZ, Herr’s, and Middleswarth. These companies source potatoes both locally and from other states throughout the year.
A Versatile and Celebrated Vegetable
During the Pennsylvania Farm Show, visitors can encounter a potato-themed mascot named Spud, as well as enjoy potato donuts—a popular treat since the 1950s. “We’ve been selling the potato donuts since around the 1950s,” Tallman shared. “That’s one of our hallmark items here that’s very well known.”
The Co-operative also uses the event to educate the public about the potato industry while serving a variety of potato-based foods such as french fries and pierogi, all made from Pennsylvania-grown potatoes.
Beyond showcasing the potato’s culinary uses, the nonprofit focuses on supporting the industry through research funded by proceeds from the farm show and other initiatives, aiming to enhance potato production for farmers.
