News
US-Cuba agriculture sectors agreement announced
While in Cuba, Secretary Vilsack announced that USDA will allow the 22 industry-funded Research and Promotion Programs and 18 Marketing Order organizations to conduct authorized research and information exchange activities with Cuba. These groups, wh... more
New AMS marketing specialist for Potatoes USA
Hakim Fobia is the new USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) marketing specialist that provides oversight of Potatoes USA. Fobia previously worked as a communications specialist for AMS.He replaces Patty Petrella as the AMS marketing specialist f... more
Mike Pink elected 2016 chairman of Potatoes USA
Mike Pink, of Mesa, Washington, was elected to a one-year term as chairman of Potatoes USA, formerly known as the U.S. Potato Board, by board members during its annual meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado on March 17.Pink succeeds Carl Hoverson, of ... more
FDA announces funding for implementing FSMA
The FDA has allocated $19 million to help state agencies support implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Specifically, these funds will be used to support implementation of the Produce Safety rule, which became final in Novemb... more
IPC releases potato recipe cards
The Idaho Potato Commission has released its Passionate About Potatoes" ad series. For 2016, the series features seven new chefs, seven new potato menu concepts, and a new look. These recipes are collected in a "Passionate About Potatoes" recipe card... more
Samples needed for potato seed trials
Washington State University (WSU) is seeking commercial potato seed samples for the 2016 Washington Seed Lot Trial. The university is requesting 50-pound samples of 2-4 ounce seed. If applicable, a representative amount of rotten tubers can be includ... more
PEI company debuts Rooster potatoes
W.P. Griffin Inc. of P.E.I., Canada has debuted its Rooster potatoes. The release coincides with St. Patrick's Day, as the variety was originally developed in Ireland. The company launched the new variety by partnering with Sobeys to offer free in-st... more
United Fresh releases 2015 Year in Review
United Fresh Produce Association released the 2015 Year in Review edition of the FreshFacts on Retail report, which examines overall retail trends in produce for the past year. The report also offers insights into performance and consumer data for fr... more
USPB now Potatoes USA
The U.S. Potato Board (USPB) now is doing business as Potatoes USA. Board members approved a motion to change the name of the organization at its annual meeting on March 16, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Potatoes USA, known legally as the National Po... more
$62 million in grant funding available to growers
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is making more than $62 million in grant funding available to support specialty crop producers through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). SCBGP grants are allocated to U.S. states and territo... more