National Potato Council talks potatoes trade with China, Japan, Mexico
Members of the National Potato Council shared updates on where U.S. potato access is in regard to several major world markets during its summer meetings.
The annual event, which normally takes place in the home state of the current NPC president, was scheduled to take place in Boise, Idaho, but was changed to the virtual platform due to COVID-19 concerns.
Spudman magazine editor Zeke Jennings sat through the individual committee meetings and provided ongoing updates via Twitter. Some highlights from the Trade Affairs discussion included:
On trade with Mexico
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
To @KamQuarles, worst-case scenario is Supreme Court rules that lawmakers made mistakes in limiting US access and then the process has to start all over again. Matt Lantz says we can’t just start over again, must explore all options.
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
China
After 20 years of negotiations, China has allowed access to Pacific Northwest chipping #potatoes. “I can’t stress enough how big this is,” said Matt Lantz. New focus to get more states’ potatoes access and then tablestock/fresh.
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
.@ThisSpudsForYou experts think any new trade negotiations with China are unlikely until after presidential election. “Who is going to be harder on China is going to be a major campaign issue. … New trade talks are probably unlikely.” — Matt Lantz
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
Japan
Currently, only 2 Japanese factories are approved for US chipping potatoes processing. Additional one coming to Hiroshima. “The more factories that come online, the more we’ll be able to export.” — Matt Lantz
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
Japan has started a pest risk assessment as the first big step to allowing fresh/tablestock U.S. #potatoes to its market. “It’s been a long time coming.” — Jared Balcom.
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
South Korea
South Korea has approved seed potatoes from Montana and Colorado for table stock & chipping programs. Pushing for more states now CA, CO, MT, ND, WI, MI, ME, FL, AZ, MN access. Korean government “dragging feet,” says Adam Hollowell, but hopeful for new deal in 2021. pic.twitter.com/8bMFpPrZ5S
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
Elsewhere
Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada have started taking steps to protect against potential EU dumping of potatoes. @ThisSpudsForYou very concerned on the issue. “There are opportunities in the future were we might look at options.” — Matt Lantz
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020
“The EU trade negotiations are not going well largely because of agriculture.” — Matt Lantz. pic.twitter.com/o3a35kDHDl
— Spudman Magazine (@SpudmanMag) June 25, 2020