National Potato Promotion Board Updates its Name, Mission, Strategic Plan
March 22, 2016 
Board Members of the National Potato Promotion Board approved a new name for its agricultural promotion group. During the Board’s 44th Annual Meeting, it voted to change its business name from the United States Potato Board, U.S. Potato Board, or USPB, to Potatoes USA. This far-reaching update comes on the heels of the organization’s newly created mission and strategic plan which were also approved.
Potatoes USA exists to “strengthen demand for U.S. potatoes,” according to the Board. The organization is the global champion for U.S. potatoes, representing 2,500 family farms growing more than 600 varieties of potatoes. It promotes U.S. potatoes in all forms, including seed, fresh, frozen, chipping, and dehydrated products.
The new strategic plan for Potatoes USA includes the collective input of more than 450 members of the U.S. potato industry, Potatoes USA staff, and the Board’s agency representatives from around the world. Thoughts, ideas, wants, needs, and desires were presented and documented during an 18-month period beginning the summer of 2014.
With access and utilization of more than $6 million in USDA funding annually, Potatoes USA works in more than 20 countries around the world. Exports of U.S. potatoes have experienced unprecedented growth over the past 30 years and now account for 18% of production.
“In the United States, Potatoes USA is the leading organizer of potato nutrition, research, education, and varietal development,” said Potatoes USA President and CEO Blair Richardson. “We will have a positive impact on long-term demand, consumer awareness, research efforts and utilization of our potatoes by foodservice and retail operators, consumers and other entities.”
“Potatoes USA is ready to fight for the future of this industry and will take an aggressive approach in doing so,” added Potatoes USA Chairman Mike Pink. He is one of the 2,500 farmers and grows potatoes in Pasco, WA. “The potato is an essential part of the American diet and should be something people can enjoy with pride. With its new strategic plan, mission, and business name, Potatoes USA is prepared to lead the way.”
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