# Simplot

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Simplot
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Simplot.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplot
> Source revision: 1344651671
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

American agriculture company

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Simplot" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article contains promotional content. Please help improve it by removing promotional language and inappropriate external links, and by adding encyclopedic text written from a neutral point of view. See our advice if the article is about you and read our scam warning in case someone asks for money to edit this article. (April 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. (February 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

J. R. Simplot Company Type Private Founded 1929 Founder J. R. Simplot Headquarters United States Key people Garrett Lofto (President & CEO) Scott Simplot (Chair) Revenue US$6.0 billion (2020)[1] Number of employees 11,000

The **J. R. Simplot Company** (commonly referred to as **Simplot**) is an [agribusiness](/source/Agribusiness) company headquartered in [Boise, Idaho](/source/Boise%2C_Idaho), [United States](/source/United_States).

## History

Simplot was founded in 1929 by 20-year-old [John Richard Simplot](/source/J._R._Simplot) near the agricultural community of [Declo](/source/Declo%2C_Idaho) in [south central](/source/Magic_Valley) [Idaho](/source/Idaho).[2] During the early 1940s, the business expanded, providing the military with dehydrated [onions](/source/Onion) and [potatoes](/source/Potato) during [World War II](/source/World_War_II). The firm was incorporated as the J. R. Simplot Company in 1955.

Simplot made billions from the commercialization of frozen [French fries](/source/French_fries) by one of its scientists, chemist Ray L. Dunlap. By the early 1970s, it was the primary supplier of French fries to [McDonald's](/source/McDonald's).[3] By 2005 it supplied more than half of all French fries for the [fast food](/source/Fast_food) chain.[4] Simplot also produces fertilizers for agriculture,[5] the mining of which has been a cause of recent environmental concerns.

Simplot is now one of the largest [privately owned](/source/Private_company) companies in the world (ranked 54th in Private Companies by *[Forbes](/source/Forbes)* magazine in 2020), ⁣[6] with $7.6B in revenue and 13,000 employees. It has branches in [Australia](/source/Australia), [Canada](/source/Canada), [Mexico](/source/Mexico), [China](/source/China), and several other regions. One of the major plants is in [Caldwell, Idaho](/source/Caldwell%2C_Idaho).

A view of the Simplot plant in Caldwell, Idaho, circa 1930–1945. The caption in the image states "World's Largest Dehydrating Plant."

J. R. Simplot retired from his role as president of his company in 1973, but remained actively involved for numerous years thereafter. He later relinquished his position as chairman of the board in 1994, and held the title of Chairman Emeritus until his passing at age 99 in 2008.

In 2022, Simplot acquired the [Ore-Ida](/source/Ore-Ida) potato processing facility in [Ontario, Oregon](/source/Ontario%2C_Oregon); [Kraft Heinz](/source/Kraft_Heinz) retains ownership of the Ore-Ida brand, which is now produced by Simplot under a long-term agreement.[7][8][9]

In 2025 Simplot acquired the Belgian [Clarebout Potatoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clarebout_Potatoes&action=edit&redlink=1) [[nl](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarebout_Potatoes)].[10]

## Philanthropy

Since its founding, J. R. Simplot Company has contributed to numerous local organizations and causes, including [Ronald McDonald House](/source/Ronald_McDonald_House), [WWF-Australia](/source/WWF-Australia), [Boys and Girls Clubs](/source/Boys_%26_Girls_Clubs_of_America), [Future Farmers of America](/source/Future_Farmers_of_America), St. Luke's Children's Hospital, and the [Special Olympics](/source/Special_Olympics). Much of the company's philanthropic efforts are directed by employees serving on the company's volunteer service committee. The Simplot Company has donated thousands of pounds of potatoes to the Idaho Foodbank and the Boise Rescue Mission. They have also provided monetary support for the arts throughout Idaho including Ballet Idaho, Opera Idaho, and the Boise Philharmonic.[11]

In 2009, Simplot Company was awarded the Spirit of Treasure Valley award by the [United Way](/source/United_Way_of_America) of [Treasure Valley](/source/Treasure_Valley).[11]

## Environmental record

In February 2002, Simplot agreed to buy equipment and pay penalties related to an unreported release of 80,000 pounds of [sulphur dioxide](/source/Sulfur_dioxide) from a facility in [Pocatello, Idaho](/source/Pocatello%2C_Idaho). The company violated the [Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act](/source/Emergency_Planning_and_Community_Right_to_Know_Act) by failing to immediately notify the Power and Bannock Counties' Local Emergency Planning Committees or the State Emergency Response Commission of the release.[12]

In February 2004, J.R. Simplot Company agreed to pay the [United States Environmental Protection Agency](/source/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency) $525,000 and install $2 million in air pollution control equipment to resolve violations of the federal [Clean Air Act](/source/Clean_Air_Act_(United_States)) at its silica sand mining facility in [Overton, Nevada](/source/Overton%2C_Nevada). The violation occurred in 1988 when the company removed equipment required by the federal Clean Air Act to control emissions of air pollutants.[13]

In early 2012, Simplot submitted a report to the Environmental Protection Agency to explain its view regarding how and why pollution limits could be eased in phosphate mine areas, and linking to livestock die-offs of sheep and cattle in other areas.[14]

Simplot is one of six major companies to join the [Obama Administration](/source/Obama_Administration) in an effort to significantly reduce energy use over the next 10 years. The company has received awards including the Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining's [Earth Day](/source/Earth_Day) award for the environmental work completed in Nevada.[15]

In June 2012, Simplot partnered with two conservation groups and three [phosphate mining](/source/Phosphate_mining) companies in an effort to improve the water quality of the [Blackfoot River](/source/Blackfoot_River_(Idaho)) in [Eastern Idaho](/source/Eastern_Idaho). The parties are: J.R. Simplot Company, [Monsanto](/source/Monsanto) and [Agrium](/source/Agrium)/Nu-West Industries, the [Idaho Conservation League](/source/Idaho_Conservation_League) and [Trout Unlimited](/source/Trout_Unlimited).[16]

More recently, Simplot settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice resolving alleged Clean Air Act violations related to modifications made at Simplot's five [sulfuric acid](/source/Sulfuric_acid) plants near Lathrop, Calif., Pocatello, Idaho and Rock Springs, Wyo. Under the settlement, Simplot was required to spend an estimated $42 million to install, upgrade and operate pollution controls that significantly cut sulfur dioxide emissions at all five plants, fund a wood stove replacement project in the area surrounding the Lathrop plant, and pay an amount of $899,000 as civil penalty.[17] The company settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice resolving Simplot's liability for alleged violations at the Rock Springs, Wyoming facility under the Resource Conservation and Recovery -Act (RCRA), including failure to determine if a solid waste is a [hazardous waste](/source/Hazardous_waste) (40 C.F.R. § 262.11); treatment, storage or disposal of hazardous waste in the phosphogypsum (gypsum) stack without a permit or interim status (42 U.S.C. § 6925(a) and 40 C.F.R. Parts 264/265 and 270); failure to perform land disposal determinations and to meet land disposal restrictions for hazardous wastes (40 C.F.R. Part 268); and failure to submit complete Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) annual toxic release reports (42 U.S.C. § 11023 and the implementing regulations at 40 C.F.R. Part 372). Simplot agree to pay a civil penalty of $775,000 to resolve the alleged past violations of RCRA and EPCRA.[18] In 2021, Simplot agreed to pay a $65,248 penalty for violations of federal pesticide handling and storage requirements at its storage and retail facilities in Umatilla, Oregon and Moreland, Idaho.[19]

## Genetically modified potatoes

Simplot developed the genetically modified Innate potato, which was approved by the [USDA](/source/United_States_Department_of_Agriculture) in 2014[20] and the [FDA](/source/Food_and_Drug_Administration) in 2015.[21][22][23] It is designed to resist [blackspot bruising](/source/List_of_potato_diseases), [browning](/source/Browning_(food_process)) and to contain less of the [amino acid](/source/Amino_acid) [asparagine](/source/Asparagine).

Asparagine can become [acrylamide](/source/Acrylamide) during the frying of potatoes and is a probable human [carcinogen](/source/Carcinogen), so reduced levels of it are desirable.[24][25] The 'Innate' name comes from the fact that this variety does not contain any genetic material from other species (the genes used are “[innate](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/innate)” to potatoes). [RNA interference](/source/RNA_interference) is used to “switch off” genes in this case. Simplot hopes that not including genes from other species will assuage consumer fears about biotechnology.[24]

The "Innate" potato is not a single cultivar, rather, it is a group of potato varieties that have had the same genetic alterations applied using the same process. Five different potato varieties have been transformed, thus creating "innate" versions with all of the original traits plus the engineered ones. Ranger Russet, Russet Burbank, and Atlantic potatoes have all been transformed by Simplot, as well as two proprietary varieties. Modifications of each variety involved two transformations, one for each of the two new traits.[26]

[Food and Water Watch](/source/Food_and_Water_Watch) successfully petitioned [McDonald's](/source/McDonald's) to reject Innate potatoes.[27][28]

## Relationship with farmers

Potato-growers in [Tasmania](/source/Tasmania) contracted by Simplot for Australian potato products protested a 6% price cut for the 2026 season. This cut came following a demand for contracts to keep up with increased running costs, resulting in a predicted 39% drop in profits for farmers. Simplot claimed to remain competitive it would consider importing potato products, particularly from [India](/source/India) and [China](/source/China), as they are much cheaper to produce in these countries.[29] In 2024 Simplot reported a $76 million net profit from Australian operations. Negotiations resolved following a rally in [Deloraine](/source/Deloraine%2C_Tasmania), with farmers taking a 4% cut on profits a year.

## Brands

An Edgell "Nourish Bowl"

- Ally (salmon)

- Apex Products (fertilizer)

- Best Products (fertilizer)

- [Bird's Eye - Australia and New Zealand](/source/Bird's_Eye#Australia_and_New_Zealand) (frozen fish, vegetables, potatoes, and meals)

- [Chicken Tonight](/source/Chicken_Tonight) (Australia and New Zealand)

- [Chiko Rolls](/source/Chiko_Roll)

- Edgell (frozen vegetables)

- GAL-XeONE (controlled-release fertilizer)

- Harvest (heat and eat)

- I&J (frozen meats)

- Innate (potatoes)

- Jacklin Seed (grass seed)

- [John West - Australia](/source/John_West_Foods) (tuna and salmon)

- Leggo's (Italian dishes)

- [Raguletto](/source/Raguletto) (Australia and New Zealand)

- Seakist (tuna)

## See also

- [List of companies based in Idaho](/source/List_of_companies_based_in_Idaho)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["JR Simplot"](https://www.forbes.com/companies/jr-simplot/). *[Forbes](/source/Forbes)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["About The J.R. Simplot Company"](https://www.simplot.com/company). Retrieved 12 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["J. R. Simplot Company"](https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/fbl/jr-simplot-company/). 19 November 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** O’Keefe, Eric (2019-09-28). ["Top 5 Farms with the Largest Acreage in the U.S."](https://www.agriculture.com/farm-management/farm-land/top-5-farms-with-the-largest-acreage-in-the-us) *Successful Farming*. Retrieved 2021-01-20.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Brandt, Richard (1990-09-03). "J.R. Simplot: Still Hustling, after all these years". *Business Week* (3176): 60–65. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0007-7135](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0007-7135).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["America's Largest Private Companies"](https://www.forbes.com/largest-private-companies/list/). *Forbes*. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-simaq_7-0)** ["Simplot acquires eastern Oregon processing facility"](https://www.simplot.com/company/news/simplot-acquires-eastern-oregon-processing-facility). Simplot. (press release). February 24, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-cppresssim_8-0)** ["Simplot to become Ore-Ida's exclusive manufacturer, supplier"](https://capitalpress.com/2022/02/24/simplot-to-become-ore-idas-exclusive-manufacturer-supplier/). *Capital Press*. February 24, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-buswre_9-0)** ["Kraft Heinz and the J.R. Simplot Company announce an exclusive, multi-year strategic supply agreement for Ore-Ida"](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220223005366/en/Kraft-Heinz-and-the-J.R.-Simplot-Company-Announce-an-Exclusive-Multi-Year-Strategic-Supply-Agreement-for-Ore-Ida). *Business Wire*. February 23, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Broens, Bert (July 12, 2025). ["Frietreus Clarebout Potatoes wordt overgenomen door het Amerikaanse J.R. Simplot"](https://www.tijd.be/ondernemen/voeding-drank/frietreus-clarebout-potatoes-wordt-overgenomen-door-het-amerikaanse-j-r-simplot/10615693.html) [Clarebout has been acquired by the American J. R. Simpot]. [De Tijd](/source/De_Tijd).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-idahobusinessreview.com_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-idahobusinessreview.com_11-1) ["Simplot Make Mark With Impactful Philanthropy"](http://idahobusinessreview.com/2011/01/13/jr-simplot-co-makes-mark-with-%E2%80%98impactful-philanthropy%E2%80%99/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Bill Dunbar (2002-02-20). ["Simplot Settles Emergency Notification Case"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141027002738/http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d96f984dfb3ff7718525735900400c29/6d1ba142882c2610852570cb0075e206!OpenDocument). [United States Environmental Protection Agency](/source/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency). Archived from [the original](http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d96f984dfb3ff7718525735900400c29/6d1ba142882c2610852570cb0075e206!OpenDocument) on October 27, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Laura Gentile (2004-02-12). ["J.R. Simplot agrees to pay EPA $525,000 to resolve Clean Air Act violations"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110609042246/http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/89745a330d4ef8b9852572a000651fe1/feaa6ef394485d4d852570d8005e15fc!OpenDocument). [United States Environmental Protection Agency](/source/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency). Archived from [the original](http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/89745a330d4ef8b9852572a000651fe1/feaa6ef394485d4d852570d8005e15fc!OpenDocument) on June 9, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Understanding Simplots Mutant Fish"](http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/06/17/2158158/understanding-simplots-mutant.html).{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Five companies receive state Earth Day awards"](http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/54169071-79/awards-canyon-natural-pipeline.html.csp).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Miners, conservationists join to save river, trout"](http://www.idahopress.com/news/state/miners-conservationists-join-to-save-river-trout/article_91b8db11-46b7-5ad5-8e9b-fad1dbf2fcea.html). 17 June 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** US EPA, OECA (2016-04-20). ["Reference News Release: J.R. Simplot Company to Reduce Emissions at Sulfuric Acid Plants in Three States"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160903032139/https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/reference-news-release-jr-simplot-company-reduce-emissions-sulfuric-acid-plants-three). *[United States Environmental Protection Agency](/source/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/reference-news-release-jr-simplot-company-reduce-emissions-sulfuric-acid-plants-three) on September 3, 2016. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** US EPA, OECA (2020-07-09). ["Simplot Settlement Information Sheet"](https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/simplot-settlement-information-sheet). *[United States Environmental Protection Agency](/source/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency)*. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** US EPA, OA (2021-07-22). ["Simplot pays $65K EPA penalty for pesticides violations"](https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/simplot-pays-65k-epa-penalty-pesticides-violations). *[United States Environmental Protection Agency](/source/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency)*. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Tracy, Tennille (November 7, 2014). ["Genetically Modified Potato Wins Approval From USDA"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/usda-approves-a-genetically-modified-potato-1415398524). *[The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Introducing Innate™ Technology"](http://www.simplotplantsciences.com). *simplotplantsciences.com*. J. R. Simplot Company. Retrieved 22 April 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["J.R. Simplot Company Petition (13-022-01p) for Determination of Non-Regulated Status for InnateTM Potatoes with Low Acrylamide Potential and Reduced Black Spot Bruise: Events E12 and E24 (Russet Burbank); F10 and F37 (Ranger Russet); J3, J55, and J78 (Atlantic); G11 (G); H37 and H50 (H)"](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/13_02201p_dea.pdf) (PDF). *aphis.usda.gov*. United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. March 2014. Retrieved 22 April 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["FDA concludes Arctic Apples and Innate Potatoes are safe for consumption"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150320212235/http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm439121.htm). *fda.gov*. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March 20, 2015. Archived from [the original](https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm439121.htm) on March 20, 2015. Retrieved 22 April 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-New_York_Times_24-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-New_York_Times_24-1) Pollack, Andrew (7 Nov 2014). ["U.S.D.A. Approves Modified Potato. Next Up: French Fry Fans"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/business/genetically-modified-potato-from-simplot-approved-by-usda.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved 22 April 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Guardian1_25-0)** Glenza, Jessica (8 Nov 2014). ["'Innate Potato' heads for market but GM watchdogs chip away at Simplot success"](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/nov/08/innate-potato-simplot-gm-watchdogs). *theguardian.com*. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 22 April 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Biofortified_26-0)** von Mogel, Karl Haro (8 May 2013). ["Q&A with Haven Baker on Simplot's Innate™ Potatoes"](http://www.biofortified.org/2013/05/qa-with-haven-baker-innate-potatoes/). *biofortified.org*. Biology Fortified, Inc. Retrieved 10 May 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Charles, Dan (13 January 2015). ["GMO Potatoes Have Arrived. But Will Anyone Buy Them?"](https://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/01/13/376184710/gmo-potatoes-have-arrived-but-will-anyone-buy-them). *npr.org*. [NPR](/source/NPR). Retrieved 5 May 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Gunther, Marc (4 December 2013). ["McDonald's GMO dilemma: why fries are causing such a fuss"](https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/mcdonalds-fries-innate-potato-genetically-modified-food). *theguardian.com*. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 22 April 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Why do hot chips cost so much while farmers take price cuts?"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-26/imported-potatoes-price-cuts-threaten-australian-potato-industry/105815458). *ABC News*. 2025-09-25. Retrieved 2025-11-24.

## External links

- Media related to [Simplot](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Simplot) at Wikimedia Commons

- [Official website](http://www.simplot.com/)

Authority control databases International VIAF National United States Other Yale LUX

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Simplot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplot) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplot?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.