Archives: News
Wage and compliance training session set for July
Registration is now open for 2026 wage and compliance training at Northern Maine Community College. The July 1 session will cover updated laws and regulations.
Groups call for ban on PEI fresh potatoes after report of new potato wart detection
The National Potato Council joined 13 state potato organizations in calling for an immediate reinstatement of a ban on fresh potato imports from Prince Edward Island after detection of potato wart in a previously unregulated field.
Senate eyeing June release of farm bill text, committee markup
Senate Agriculture Committee chair John Boozman is eyeing a markup of the version of the farm bill that passed the House April 30 by early June.
NPC urges action against China’s growing exports of frozen fries
The National Potato Council has urged action against China’s growing production capacity in frozen fries, filing formal comments with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Study: Potato shoppers spend almost double the amount of non-potato buyers
Shoppers who buy fresh potatoes spend nearly double the amount of non-potato retail customers, according to a new study.
Nominations open for 55 Potatoes USA board seats
Nominations are now open for Potatoes USA board members for the 2027 term. The board is seeking nominees to fill 55 open seats.
Biological pest control company acquires Vestaron
Biological pest control company Suterra has acquired the product lines, active ingredients, and research and development pipeline of crop protection company Vestaron.
MSU assistant professor receives ag research award
Younsuk Dong, an assistant professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University, has been recognized with the Early Career Researcher Award.
Utz recalls 9 varieties of potato chips over potential salmonella contamination
Utz Quality Foods has issued a voluntary recall in the U.S. of certain varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips after notification that a seasoning containing dry milk powder may contain salmonella.
Leaders say USMCA renewal unlikely by July but remain optimistic
While leaders have expressed doubt that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be renewed by a July deadline, optimism remains that countries will not withdraw from the landmark trade agreement.
Little Potato Company launches dedicated foodservice division
The Little Potato Company has launched a foodservice division with larger product sizes and sous-vide products to better support restaurant, retail and hospitality operators.
House passes farm bill by 224-200 vote; fight awaits in Senate
A day after negotiations stalled over issues including a fuel fracas, the U.S. House passed its farm bill by a 224-200 vote.
House farm bill vote postponed after ‘Republican revolt’
A U.S. House vote on the farm bill has been delayed after what Politico called a “Republican revolt.” Lawmakers hope to bring the bill back to the House floor in May.
USDA restructuring Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area
USDA is restructuring its Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area, relocating certain positions and decommissioning the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland.
TASC funding to support efforts to fully open Japanese market
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service awarded $179,000 in Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) funding to the National Potato Council (NPC) to support its ongoing market access efforts in Japan over the next three years.
Next phase of USDA reorganization being finalized, Rollins says
The next phase of a planned USDA reorganization will be announced soon, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.