News
NPC says new dietary guidelines are ‘encouraging’
A leading potato advocacy group calls the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and USDA “encouraging.” The guidelines, released every five years following a scientific review of nutrition ev... more
Lamb Weston closing plant in Argentina, consolidating regional operations
Lamb Weston is closing its Munro, Argentina plant and consolidating Latin American regional production to its new facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The approximately 100 employees affected by the Munro closure will be provided with severance p... more
Pioneer in Michigan commercial russet growing dies at 81
Former potato farmer Robert "Bob" Gruesbeck of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, has died at age 81. Gruesbeck and his wife, Barbara, were among the first commercial growers of russet potatoes in the state, according to the Michigan Potato Industry Commissi... more
Trade talk includes details of request to probe Canadian practices
A trade-focused breakout session Jan. 7 at Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas provided additional details on the National Potato Council (NPC)’s request for the Office of the United States Trade Representative to investigate Canadian potato trade practices... more
New seaweed-derived biostimulant aims to improve plant health, vigor
JH Biotech’s new seaweed-derived biostimulant is designed to fit into existing fertility programs to support plant health and crop performance. Kelp Star, derived from Ascophyllum nodosum, a large, common cold-water seaweed, is specifically aime... more
Cotton, rice top per-acre rates for crops eligible for farmer assistance program
Rice and cotton will receive the highest rates among row crows in Farmer Bridge Assistance rates announced by USDA. The rates, announced Dec. 31, are part of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program announced last month by USDA Secretary B... more
Nominations for NPC board, committees open until Jan. 16
The National Potato Council is accepting nominations from potato growers across the country for members of its board of directors or committees. Nominations are open through Jan. 16. Potato growers producing more than 50 acres of potatoes annua... more
NPC requests investigation into Canadian trade practices
The National Potato Council (NPC) has asked the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate Canadian potato trade practices. On Dec. 19, NPC’s Executive Committee unanimously approved a resolution requesting USTR launc... more
Political analyst to headline 2026 NPC Washington Summit
Political analyst Charlie Cook, founder of the Cook Political Report, will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 NPC Washington Summit. Registration for the annual event, hosted by the National Potato Council and designed to amplify the potato indus... more
Michigan Winter Potato Conference registration fees to increase in 2026
Early bird registration prices for the 2026 Michigan Winter Potato Conference end Dec. 31, with the cost going up $50 in the new year. The conference is set for Jan. 27-29 at the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Re... more
