May 28, 2022Colorado hosts USDA Under Secretary for Mexico export discussion
The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee hosted USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, representatives from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and other stakeholders to discuss the role that the Colorado potato industry will have in filling demand for U.S. potatoes in the full Mexican marketplace. During her visit, Under Secretary Moffitt met with growers, toured the Hi-Land Potato Co.’s warehouse in Monte Vista, and the Colorado State University San Luis Valley Research Center, and discussed the recent reopening of the Mexican border, beyond the previous 26-kilometer limit, for U.S. potato exports to Mexico.
Bob Mattive, National Potato Council vice president for environmental affairs and Colorado potato grower, welcomed the Under Secretary’s visit and highlighted ongoing efforts needed to ensure the market remains open. “The May 11 shipments of U.S. potatoes into Mexico marked a significant step in restoring access to this important market, but we know that continued vigilance is required if we are to keep the border open. Colorado’s growers – as well as growers across the country – will continue to rely on the partnership we’ve developed with USDA and the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative to ensure that Mexico adheres to the bilateral work plan. Mexican consumers, U.S. potato growers, and the communities we support will all benefit from consistent, reliable access to affordable U.S. potatoes.”
Mexico is currently the second-largest market for U.S. fresh potato exports, with 124,449 metric tons valued at $60 million shipped into the previous the 26-kilometer border region in 2021. Last year, Colorado exported more than 122 million pounds of potatoes to Mexico. The U.S. potato industry estimates that access to the entire country for fresh U.S. potatoes will provide a market potential of $250 million per year, in five years.
– National Potato Council
