<P> Potatoes were planted in Idaho as early as 1838; by 1900 the state's production exceeded a million bushels (about 27,000 tonnes). Prior to 1910, the crops were stored in barns or root cellars, but, by the 1920s, potato cellars or barns came into use . U.S. potato production has increased steadily; two - thirds of the crop comes from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Maine, and potato growers have strengthened their position in both domestic and foreign markets . </P> <P> By the 1960s, the Canadian Potato Research Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick, was one of the top six potato research institutes in the world . Established in 1912 as a Dominion Experimental Station, the station began in the 1930s to concentrate on breeding new varieties of disease - resistant potatoes . In the 1950s--1960s, the growth of the French fry industry in New Brunswick led to a focus on developing varieties for the industry . By the 1970s, the station's potato research was broader than ever before, but the station and its research programs had changed, as emphasis was placed on serving industry rather than potato farmers in general . Scientists at the station even began describing their work using engineering language rather than scientific prose . Potatoes are Canada's most important vegetable crop; they are grown commercially in all its provinces, led by Prince Edward Island . In modern days potatoes have grown in popularity due to their versatility and ability to be used for many different dishes of food . </P> <P> The first potatoes to arrive in North America from Europe were sent to Gov. Francis Wyatt of Virginia at Jamestown by Nathaniel Butler . There were two large cedar boxes that were filled with different vegetables, among them were potatoes . The very first potatoes grown in North America were planted in Derry New Hampshire in the year 1719 . Idaho didn't begin growing potatoes until 1836 . </P>

When did the potato come to north america