News
USMCA deal: Mexico tariff on U.S. potatoes not lifted yet
On Nov. 30, leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada jointly signed a new free trade deal intended to update the current North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires, President Donald Trump and Mexico ... more
U.S., Canada, Mexico sign new trade agreement
The United States has signed a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the White House said. The signing took place Nov. 30 at the ... more
Potato plant researcher Phil Hamm gives final presentation, will retire in 2019
Phil Hamm has dedicated his professional life to studying plant disease and has been a great asset for potato growers in the process. Hamm’s journey, at least professionally, is coming to an end, however. The longtime Oregon State University emp... more
New Farm Bill agreement in place
Congressional negotiators working on the Farm Bill have “an agreement in principle” that could soon send the Farm Bill to the President. The bill technically expired earlier this year, and its renewal has been hung up on policy differences ove... more
Ag group seeks labor wage relief for growers
In a Nov. 28 letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) asked for short-term relief from imposition of new wage rates ... more
Soil Health Partnership tabs lead scientist to beef up research
The Soil Health Partnership has tapped Maria Bowman, a notable and experienced agricultural and resource economist, for the new position of lead scientist. Her role will be significant, guiding the organization in building a unique and extensive U.S.... more
Canada potato crop loses 15,000 acres to bad weather
Potato processors that rely on Canadian-grown spuds are facing a shortage. Poor harvest weather conditions have resulted in 15,000 acres — about 4 percent — of Canada’s potato crop being abandoned, reported The Western Producer. “This h... more
Idaho Potato Commission adds Todd Cornelison, Brett Jensen as commissioners
[caption id="attachment_11834" align="alignleft" width="640"] Todd Cornelison, left, Dan Nakamura, center, and Brett Jensen.[/caption] The Idaho Potato Commission has added two new commissioners and reappointed another. Todd Cornelison of shipp... more
National Potato Council: Trump Administration considering alternative tariff options
From the National Potato Council: "There were various reports (recently) that the (Trump) Administration is considering options to end the steel and aluminum tariffs the U.S. levied against Canada and Mexico. Such an action by the U.S. could come ... more
Castle, Echo russet varieties reach growers for field trials
Two new potatoes could save growers in Oregon, Idaho and Washington millions of dollars by curtailing several serious diseases and improving processing quality. The potatoes — Echo Russet and Castle Russet — are in the hands of growers for tri... more
