ABSTRACT
Potatoes remain the top vegetable crop in the United States and are grown commercially in 30 states. This chapter discusses the potato industry and the supply chain of fresh potatoes, and provides insights into food losses in potatoes at the storage stage. It also discusses the four stages of the supply chain and their potential to contribute to or reduce food losses. These stages include field operations; harvest operations; storage; and packaging and beyond. Potato producers must develop integrated management strategies for production efficiency while protecting and sustaining soil and water resources. Harvesting the potato crop is generally done when the vines and tubers are mature. Proper storage is essential to prevent postharvest losses of potatoes intended for fresh consumption or processing. The final phase of the potato supply chain is packaging and transportation to retail and wholesale markets. Mechanical harvesting has dramatically reduced the labor requirement on potato farms.
