Dec 16, 2021Mexican officials inspect US potatoes in latest fresh-market access development
The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC) recently hosted a site visit by Mexican authorities for the purpose of U.S. exporters fully gaining fresh potato access to Mexico.
This site visit is one of the final requirements as the Mexican government moves toward restoring market access for U.S. fresh potatoes. During the two-day visit, the delegation met with Osama El-Lissy, Deputy Administrator at USDA-APHIS, Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer John Toaspern, CPAC Executive Director Jim Ehrlich and longtime potato industry trade expert Matt Lantz from Bryant Christie to review all sides of the U.S. potato supply chain and compare the requirements for shipping to Mexico.
“The U.S. potato industry is grateful for the unwavering support of Secretary (Tom) Vilsack, Ambassador (Katherine) Tai, and the teams at USDA and USTR in this effort,” National Potato Council President Dominic LaJoie said through a statement. “Special thanks to Dr. El-Lissy who has committed an incredible amount of his time to ensuring a solid resolution of this important goal. His efforts will ensure valuable new opportunities for U.S. growers, Mexican consumers and the economies of both nations.”
With the operational work plan formally published in Mexico and the site visit concluded, Potatoes USA held a meeting this week with the industry to educate members on the specific requirements for shipping beyond the 26-kilometer zone.
In April, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled unanimously to overturn previous rulings that prohibited U.S. fresh potatoes from being sold beyond 26 kilometers of the U.S.-Mexican border.
