Oregon seed potato growers provide high quality seed of a number of chipping, fresh market, and processing varieties at competitive prices. Certified pre-nuclear seed potatoes are produced by various in- and out-of-state pre-nuclear facilities. Early generation seed is then supplied to Oregon Seed Growers in various high elevation, isolated regions of the state for increase as limited generation stocks according to strict certification standards.
Information on available Oregon seed stocks by variety and supplier can be found in the current Oregon Seed Growers Directory. Grower addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses are available on the Oregon Seed Growers Contact List.
Oregon Seed Production Areas
Many areas in Oregon are extremely well adapted to seed potato production because of isolation, natural environment, and grower expertise.
CENTRAL OREGON: Production is centered in Jefferson County near Culver, OR. The average elevation in the area is 3,000 feet. Seed growers in this area have a history of seed production dating back more than 100 years. These growers are well acquainted with the importance of high quality seed.
KLAMATH FALLS/LAKE: Seed production is located in isolated valleys of Klamath County. Elevation averages 4,100 feet. Seed production occurs in Lower & Upper Klamath Lake, Dairy- Bonanza area, and Malin. Klamath County has produced a large volume of seed for over 90 years. Nearly all major varieties of the West are grown in this area.
NORTHEASTERN OREGON: Seed in this area is grown in Union and Malheur counties where it has been produced for more than 80 years. Elevation in this area is 2,200 – 2,500 feet. The principal varieties produced in this area include processing varieties, many of which are supplied to commercial growers in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington. The seed potato growing areas of Union County are now in an Oregon Department of Agriculture Seed Control District.
NORTH CENTRAL OREGON: Nestled in the dryland wheat country of southern Morrow and Gilliam Counties are isolated pockets of irrigated center pivots that have proven excellent for the production of high-quality seed potatoes. Though this is the newest area of production in Oregon, the growers of this seed come from a long history of quality seed producers in other parts of the country. Much of this seed is exported to off-season production areas in California's Central Valley and other states.
Seed Production Methods
Procedures and standards for producing certified Oregon seed potatoes are available from the Oregon Seed Certification Service. Similar information for other areas can be obtained from state and provincial certification agencies throughout North America shown on the Potato Certification - National Level page.
Roguing is an essential practice in the production of healthy seed potatoes in all producing regions. It is the process of identifying and disposing of abnormal plants, including tubers and seed pieces. The affected plants may be diseased, of another variety, or simply different.
The following links provide useful information on seed production and storage.
- What is a Certified Potato? PDF
- Early Generation Seed Potato Production and Certification
- Roguing Seed Potatoes (OR)
- Selecting, Cutting and Handling Seed (ME)
- Idaho Center for Potato Research and Education