Archives: News
US trade rep to travel 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 famers 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.
New Urschel dicer to make debut next month
Urschel will unveil its Little Gem Aspire Dicer, a new cutting concept in fruit and vegetable processing, at upcoming tradeshows beginning next month.
USDA reopens reporting period for specialty crop bridge payments
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has reopened the reporting period for specialty crop producers seeking Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program bridge payments. The new deadline is April 24.
Lockwood forms new dealer partnership in Alberta
PGS Equipment is Lockwood’s new potato equipment dealer for whole goods, parts and service for Alberta and the surrounding area.
US export market to receive $8.4 million boost
More than $8.4 million earmarked to expand export markets for U.S. goods will be distributed by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service through three programs.
Insecticide granted EPA approval for all agricultural crops
An insecticide powered by hydrocolloid technology has been approved for all EPA crop groups, including agricultural and controlled environment agriculture.
Water infrastructure projects to receive infusion of federal funds
Water infrastructure improvements across the western U.S. will receive an $889 million infusion of federal funding, including projects in several major potato-producing states.
Hormel executive retiring after 35-year career
Hormel Foods’ vice president of global food safety and quality management is retiring on May 1 after 35 years with the company.