News

Federal court strikes down tariffs, finds Trump exceeded authority
The U.S. Court of International Trade struck down many of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, ruling that the measures exceeded the president’s authority under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act. Trump had cited the IEEPA in imposi... more
Nearly $73M available in federal funding to boost specialty crop competitiveness
Funding totaling nearly $73 million is available for projects aimed at improving the competitiveness of specialty crops. Applications for $72.9 million available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are being accepted through July 7 an... more

Potato procurer signs on as Global Potato Summit 2025 title sponsor
Mantra Agri Solutions, a joint venture between Indian snack food brand Haldiram and South Korean manufacturing conglomerate SK Group, has joined the Global Potato Summit 2025 as its title sponsor. The summit will be held Dec. 11-12 at the India Ex... more
Postharvest solutions company GroupAg adds new team member
Postharvest solutions company GroupAg has named an experienced storage management professional as its newest customer relationship representative. Jared Hansen joined the company in May and will serve the southern Idaho region, according to a news... more

Budget bill clears House by one vote, moves to Senate
The massive budget bill dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill passed the U.S. House early Thursday morning after more than 24 hours of debate that began at 1 a.m. Wednesday. The mega bill, which Republicans are attempting to pass through the budget re... more

Planting continues on pace in Minnesota, North Dakota; area reports ending
Potato planting in North Dakota and Minnesota continues, with Minnesota ahead of both last year’s pace and the average. For the week ending May 18, Minnesota had planted 82% of its crop (.pdf), ahead of 77% in 2024 and of the 66% average. Potato... more

June Agricultural Survey to collect key acreage data
Growers will soon be able to provide important information to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Services (NASS) for the June Agricultural Survey. NASS will contact nearly 92,000 producers across the nation in the next several weeks as ... more
NPC calls for elimination of tariffs on US potato exports to Vietnam
The National Potato Council called for the elimination of tariffs on U.S. potatoes and potato products to Vietnam in a letter to top trade officials. In the May 16 missive, NPC estimated that an agreement eliminating the tariffs would increase U.S... more

Reconciliation package narrowly passes budget committee
A massive $4 trillion reconciliation package narrowly passed the U.S. House Budget Committee on May 18, sending it to the Rules Committee for negotiated changes to be added and clearing the way for a floor vote in the next several days. Four House... more
New HZPC Americas product manager will work closely with growers
HZPC Americas has added a product manager to its team in Canada. Pedro Selegato will work to help North America potato farmers integrate HZPC’s germplasm into their operations. Selegato, with ag industry experience ranging from hybrid corn seed ... more