In the United States, the cost of potato chips has increased by nearly 50% over the past decade. Inflation plays a role, but climate change is another key factor.
Potato chips, a widely consumed snack, have seen their average price for a 16-ounce bag rise from $4.27 to $6.32 over ten years, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Idaho and Washington, the top potato-producing states, have experienced warmer temperatures. Idaho recorded its third-warmest year in 2024, while Washington had its 15th-warmest.
Pennsylvania, home to the most potato chip factories in the U.S., faced its warmest year on record recently. The state has seen a decline in acreage for chipping potatoes due to their sensitivity to increasing soil temperatures. Cornell University professor Walter De Jong emphasized the need for developing potato varieties adapted to changing climates, stating, "If the climate is changing, and changing kind of rapidly, we have to develop potatoes that are adapted to the new climate." He also questioned the sustainability of relying on potatoes from Florida and the Northwest.
Extreme weather, attributed to climate change, is affecting farmers nationwide. In New Mexico, droughts and wildfires have reduced yields. Oklahoma, despite being a top producer of cotton and wheat, suffered agricultural losses due to drought and extreme weather in 2023.
Addressing these issues involves reducing heat-trapping gases and supporting climate-conscious initiatives and policies.
Source: TCD