Success Stories
Growing a Low-carb Potato
Wayne Smith, a lifelong farmer in northeastern Florida, watched as the state's $120 million potato industry declined over the past decade. Grocery stores don't want to carry Florida potatoes because they aren't available year-round. In addition, potato consumption throughout the U.S. has dropped about 15 percent in the past two years alone--due, many observers speculate, to the recent popularity of low-carbohydrate diets.
Smith recently received help from IFAS researchers testing a new breed of high-quality potatoes. This breed has 30 percent fewer carbohydrates, 25 percent fewer calories, and plenty of potassium and vitamin C.
The potato was developed for its flavor, which is described as smooth, moist, and buttery. To sell the new variety, dubbed "Sunlite," Smith formed a marketing co-op with some other farmers. The group hopes the potato’s delicious flavor will keep consumers coming back for more long after the low-carb craze has ended. The Sunlite potato should be on store shelves throughout Florida and the Southeastern U.S. this year, and in the rest of the country next year.
The Sunlite potato could benefit more than Smith and his co-op partners--the success of this spud is significant for the state’s entire agricultural industry. As Florida continues to grow rapidly in population, the value of agricultural land is increasing exponentially. Not only do many farmers have trouble earning enough money to keep their businesses afloat, but developers can pay high prices for farmland.
If these trends continue, the continued existence of the state's agricultural industry could be threatened. The success of the Sunlite potato could signal a new approach to this dilemma for Florida's farmers.
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