Momentum Grows To Open Japanese Market for U.S. Potatoes

Industry association installs its 2026 roster of Executive Committee leaders, including Ben Sklarczyk who will serve as President for the next year.

The federal government shutdown isn’t just politics. It’s costing U.S. potato growers millions in lost trade opportunities.

For 25 years, U.S. potato growers fought for market access in Mexico, only to be repeatedly set back by regulatory hurdles.

New dietary guidelines report highlights the importance of fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet, but also proposes a reduction of starchy vegetables.

Kam Quarles of the National Potato Council discusses the latest issues in Washington, DC, that affect growers.

Michigan State University teamed with National Potato Council to quantify how important potatoes are to the U.S.

Why National Potato Council leader Kam Quarles is fighting to ensure potatoes have a seat at the Nutrition Policy table.

Industry event to feature new stages, double the programming from the previous year, and more than 200 trade show exhibitors.

The Far East country holds the promise of delivering $150 million to $200 million annually to the sector.

Learn about work being done on multiple fronts to help protect the tools needed for successful potato production.

Industry association formally opposes new and increased taxes in efforts to keep family farms competitive.

The bill would address long-standing problems and has bipartisan support. But it needs grower support to counter a strong opposition.

A new program designed to build future leaders shows robust support despite market stresses.

Growers and stakeholders lobbied for and won some much needed USDA aid in 2020. What’s next for the sector?

The agreement is 20 years in the making and marks improving conditions in the U.S. / China trade war.

Recent good news on the trade front has U.S. potato growers feeling optimistic, but work still remains on several initiatives the industry would like to see passed in the coming weeks and months.

In the last 10 years, an alliance has used its combined voice to create programs like the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, the Specialty Crop Block Grant program, the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program, and others.

The farm plants a rotation of potatoes, barley, wheat, and alfalfa to reduce pest pressure and uses IPM techniques throughout the farming operation.

Dwayne Weyers of Aspen Produce in Colorado was chosen as the next president of the National Potato Council.