News
UK-based manufacturer of automated potato packaging solutions plans US dealer network
A UK-based manufacturer of automated potato packaging and palletizing solutions is establishing a dealer network in the U.S. PACE Mechanical Handling is in the process of reaching out to potential partners for a location, a company representative ... more
USDA seeks nominations for Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
The USDA is seeking nominations for the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (Area 3). Nominees are needed to fill two producer member seats, one handler member seat and three alternate member seats. Two-year terms will begin May 1, 2024, acco... more
Letter to appropriations committees expresses AEWR concerns
A letter signed by 75 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent to the House and Senate appropriations committees expresses concerns about the rising wage rate in the H-2A program. The rate, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), is... more
NPC calls for urgency in public comments to CFIA potato wart plan
The National Potato Council has submitted public comments to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s risk management documents for mitigating the risk of spreading Prince Edward Island potato wart to the U.S. In December 2023, CFIA announced plans... more
Potatoes Australia names World Potato Congress ambassador
Potatoes Australia has named Robbie Davis, a national potato industry and agribusiness figure, as its ambassador for World Potato Congress 2024. The event will be held in Adelaide from June 23-26. [caption id="attachment_19891" align="alignleft... more
Estimates show increase in 2023 potato production
USDA estimates for 13 reporting states show a 42.01 cwt increase in 2023 potato production from the previous year. Adjusted estimates show 440.75 million cwt produced in 2023, a 10.5% increase from 2022. USDA’s planted area estimate for Michi... more
USDA researchers working toward year-round supply of high-quality potatoes
Scientists at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are using the latest technology to work toward a high-quality, year-round supply of potatoes for processing facilities, restaurants and grocery stores. Researchers are studying the life ... more
Top US ag negotiator urges Japan to trust potato science
The U.S.’s top agricultural negotiator has a message for markets where fresh potato exports are still meeting resistance: Trust the science. Doug McKalip, chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative, joi... more
Potato LEAF launches new leadership program at Gettysburg
The Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has launched a new program to be held July 15-18 at Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. “Leadership in the Field: From Battlefield to Potato Fie... more
Potato breeding pioneer Porter retires after 38 years at UMaine
For Greg Porter, one potato highlights a satisfying career. Porter, an Aroostook County native, officially retired Dec. 31 after 38 years at the University of Maine.
