Here, in the western U.S., potatos are raised commercially. I've been to the storage "cellars" numerous times and have found that they store their potatos for up to 9 months or more before they are marketed. The temperature is crucial. They maintain it at 48 degrees F but have said that in the mid 50's is acceptable. Tons of the tubers (nice metaphor, no?) are stored loosely in bins but many are already bagged in burlap bags. We've bought 100 pounds of bagged potatos and stored over winter. They're kept in the dark, as suggested, and the burlap allows air to circulate. We keep them as cool as possible, but the temp may get up to 60 degrees in our basement...