REGIONAL AND NATIONAL IMPACTS OF EXPANDED PACIFIC NORTHWEST POTATO PRODUCTION

A 46-equation econometric model of the U.S. potato market was developed. The model examines the determination of planted acreage, yield, production, and farm prices in the Pacific Northwest and in five other producing regions which compete with Northwest production. National demand relationships for potatoes used in processing, fresh consumption and livestock feed are also specified. These estimated relationships are used to simulate future scenarios which assume alternative rates of expansion for Northwest potato production. Results suggest that opportunities for considerable expansion of Northwest potato production exist if the secular shift in potato demand continues and increases in acreage are not excessive or expansion does not occur too quickly