potato-harvestProduction and processing shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have dealt a $1 billion blow to the Washington state potato industry, according to a new industry report. Demand and acreage declines contributed to the hit, with producers reducing acreage during the growing season by around 13%, equating to almost 730,000 tons of potatoes. Market-watchers say there’s a rapid trickledown effect, with implement dealers, crop input suppliers and other retailers — in and outside the industry — feeling the effects beyond the potato supply chain itself. While the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will help offset a portion of the losses, crop insurance claims won’t factor in for growers who were unable to plant their crops. See how the situation is unfolding in Washington.