A local paper had a similar article this week, but the person being interviewed - a Washington potato farmer - blamed the "fad" of Atkins. But he said the dip in sales only lasted for a few years & went right back up again. NE Washington & Idaho potatoes are mostly sent to processors, so I guess people still wanted their frozen fries & dehydrated mashed potatoes & hashbrowns.

And someone is eating my share! Come to think of it, my husband's share too, as he doesn't eat fries & only rarely has regular potatoes.