Food December 3, 2019

There could be a french fry shortage, here's why

WATCH: Could a french fry shortage be on the way?

A side of french fries may soon be in short supply.

Excessive cold and wet weather conditions in the U.S. and Canada severely impacted potato crops, and now the beloved root vegetable is in short supply with growing fears of a potential shortage.

STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images
French fries are seen on a shelf above deep fryer in this undated stock photo.

Domestic output this year will see a 6.1% decline, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is the lowest since 2010.

(MORE: Why these unusually large lemons in California could be sour news for citrus growers)

"French fry demand has just been outstanding lately, and so supplies can't meet the demand," industry-relations director with the Idaho Potato Commission, Travis Blacker, told Bloomberg.

Even Idaho, the top producer in the U.S., is forecast to fall 5.5% in potato production.

The United Potato Growers Of Canada reported that nearly 18% of potato crops in Manitoba -- the country's second-largest growing area -- were left unharvested.

(MORE: Skeptical toddler dipping french fry in ketchup for the 1st time is all of us)

Of the nine states that grow potatoes -- Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, Colorado and Maine -- all saw a dramatic drop in crops.

Canada increased fry-processing capacity that boosted demand, but with limited supplies that could lead to a possible poutine shortage.

As for the small portion of crops that managed to weather the storm, the spuds grew much smaller which are harder to cut into the classic fry form.

Get ready, onion rings: your day in the sun is finally here.