Despite ongoing market pressure across the agricultural sector, optimism remains strong within the potato industry. Speaking during the Potato Expo 2026, Black Gold Farms CEO Eric Halverson said that growers and industry leaders are focused on adapting to tight margins while continuing to seek new opportunities. “You can feel a lot of energy in the room, despite some challenges we have in our way.” Halverson said many conversations at the conference center on how the industry can remain profitable without relying on short-term government assistance. “There are challenges, prices aren’t where we want them to be,” he said. “So there’s just a lot of people talking about how do we roll up our sleeves and get to work and make it successful.” North Dakota’s expanding role in potato processing is also drawing national attention, particularly with the development of a new French fry plant in the state. Halverson said that momentum is helping put the region in the spotlight as the industry looks ahead.
