Archives: News
TASC funding to support efforts to fully open Japanese market
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service awarded $179,000 in Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) funding to the National Potato Council (NPC) to support its ongoing market access efforts in Japan over the next three years.
Next phase of USDA reorganization being finalized, Rollins says
The next phase of a planned USDA reorganization will be announced soon, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
2026 class set for Potato LEAF’s Leadership in the Field program
The 2026 class for the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF)’s Leadership in the Field program is set.
Report finds US potato storage down slightly from 2025
Potatoes in storage across key states totaled 127 million cwt, down 1% from last year, according to a recent USDA report.
Lockwood becomes first US-based distributor for Belgian equipment company
Lockwood Manufacturing is now Belgian equipment company AVR Machinery’s first official U.S.-based distributor. Lockwood will distribute AVR equipment in North Dakota and Minnesota.
Ag committee chair pushes for more grower aid as farm bill vote gains momentum
The chair of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee is advocating for an additional $20 billion to help farmers offset rising production costs as lawmakers hope for a farm bill vote on the House floor by the end of the month.
Potatoes USA adds 24 board members
Twenty-four members have been appointed to Potatoes USA’s board of directors, effective immediately.
US trade rep travels to Mexico for second round of USMCA talks
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will travel to Mexico on April 20 to continue discussions to review the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
USDA funding aims to provide boost to US exports
USDA announces 55 recipients of trade promotion funding and anticipates additional infusion of funds in 2027.
Potato LEAF scholarship application deadline nears
The deadline to apply for the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF)’s annual academic scholarship is approaching.
Sym-Agro adds ag veteran to lead Southern California sales
An agricultural veteran has joined biopesticide solutions provider Sym-Agro to lead its sales efforts in Southern California. Adam Cholakian is the company’s new Southern California sales manager
$100M in specialty crop funding available through USDA programs
More than $100 million in grant funding is available for specialty crop initiatives through a pair of USDA Agricultural Marketing Service programs.
Survey finds 70% of farmers cannot afford enough fertilizer for the year
A new survey found that 70% of American farmers worry they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to make it through the year.
President’s budget proposal includes cuts to USDA programs
The President’s 2027 budget, released April 3, includes $20.8 billion in discretionary budget spending for USDA, a 19% decrease from 2026 levels.
MSU potato breeder’s chipping variety given commercial production nod
Michigan State University potato breeder David Douches’ genetically engineered Kal91.3 chipping variety has been approved for commercial production.
Report forecasts drop in planted acreage in 2026 in reporting states
A new report forecasts a 2.7% drop in planted acres of potatoes in 2026 in 13 reporting states. Learn more.