Idaho and potatoes. It’s a duo and stereotype that’s known by everyone and whether Idahoans like it or not it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Idaho has large range of farmland, but surprisingly 95% of food grown on Idaho lands is exported out of state. Where does all of this food go if not on an Idahoan’s plate? With such a high percentage of food exported out of Idaho, the question of where Idaho gets its food is also posed. Does it come from California, Mexico or even overseas? Local food movement such as Farm to Fork are sprouting up around the Treasure Valley as people are becoming more aware of how far their food actually travels and the environmental and health concerns associated with this agriculture practice. This study explores where Idaho gets its food, where Idaho grown food goes and potential ideas on how to bring Idaho’s food back home. Data collection is ongoing and results of this study will help inform the local Idahoans of where the food on their plate came from and what it will take to fill them with sustainable locally grown food.

The Idaho Potato: What does Idaho actually grow and where does Idaho’s locally grown food go?