It seems there’s no end to attempts by advocates and “experts” to get us to abandon our common understanding of things around us. Now, even the venerable potato is a target.

It will not go quietly.

The potato is one of the most popular foodstuffs produced in the United States. Last year, U.S. farmers grew about 44 billion pounds of potatoes. About 20% are exported, and the rest go into the domestic market.

About 60% of potatoes went to foodservice outlets such as restaurants, schools and institutions such as hospitals, according to the National Potato Council.

Baked, mashed, roasted or fried, everyone likes potatoes. Well, almost everyone.

The federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is considering reclassifying the potato from vegetable to something else — possibly a grain — raising concerns within the potato industry, which produces one of the most popular foods in the nation. Every man, woman and child eats more than 112 pounds of potatoes a year.

The committee’s report is due this fall to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and USDA, which will develop the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans — the government’s idea of what, and how much, people should eat.

It’s the popularity of the potato that causes problems for committee members. The committee wants people to eat their vegetables, but not necessarily a lot of starchy spuds — particularly if they are fried, as many Americans seem to prefer.

Reclassifying the potato could result in reduced usage in school and other federal nutrition programs, and even the loss of specialty-crop status — a qualifier for USDA grants that help pay for research and marketing.

That’s a nonstarter for potato producers.

Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, said there’s “no scientific validity” to reclassifying potatoes. And lumping them in with rice and grains based on starch or carbohydrate content fails to consider potatoes’ unique nutrients.

Alas, science only enters the argument when it supports the necessary position.

Calling a potato a grain, which it is not, will not make it any less than what it is. Things are what they are, regardless of their classification. The potato will remain nutritious and popular with the masses.

And, the masses know a potato when they see it.

We doubt there would be any shopper in any grocery produce section who would identify potatoes as a grain. Clearly, shoppers aren’t experts.