News
Collins: Vilsack pledges to keep potatoes classified as vegetable
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ office said USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack called her April 30 to say the agriculture department will officially support keeping potatoes classified as a vegetable, not a grain. On March 28, Collins and U.S. Sen. Michael ... more
Bill would increase Specialty Crop Block Grant program authorization by $15M
Two U.S. senators have introduced a bill to increase the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program authorization by $15 million. The Specialty Crops Security Act, introduced by Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Laphonza Butler, D-California, would increas... more
SCFBA applauds movement from House and Senate on farm bill
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) is applauding movement on a farm bill from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Both bodies released summaries of their proposals on May 1, with Senate committee chair Debbie Stabenow describin... more
New H-2A protections take effect next month
New protections under a final Department of Labor rule include a provision allowing H-2A temporary employees to invite labor and legal organizations to employer-provided housing. The rule, “Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricult... more
Spuds in the news: 2023 was a positive year for potatoes
A new analysis of media coverage and social media posts reveals that 2023 was a good year for potatoes to make headlines. From January to December, there were more than six positive traditional news stories about potatoes for every negative one, a... more
Crop Transition Conference set for June in Minnesota
The 2024 Crop Transition Conference, hosted by the United Potato Growers of America, will be held June 19-20 in Minneapolis. The conference, which offers an overview of the upcoming growing season, mainly in the fresh market, is open to all grower... more
New WIC guidelines codify white potatoes, among other updates
The International Fresh Produce Association joined a chorus of nutritional policy experts praising this month’s finalized updates to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). In addition to making the lat... more
Walther Farms general manager among Michigan Farm Bureau award recipients
The 2024 winners of Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer awards include the general manager for Michigan potato grower Walther Farms. Andrew Braun, the winner of the Young Agriculture Employee award, manages 1,800 acres of potato ground near Cass... more
USDA appoints 32 members to Potatoes USA board
The USDA has appointed 32 members to Potatoes USA’s board of directors, including 30 producer members and two importers, for three-year terms expiring in February 2027. Candidates are proposed by the industry in an annual nomination process and ... more
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