News
Mexican potato growers strike to protest US competition
This past week, Mexican potato growers engaged in a national strike against competition from the U.S., demanding that their government block imports. Growers called for an immediate end to the legal importation of fresh potatoes from the U.S. as p... more
Labor Department to resume processing of H-2A applications
The U.S. Department of Labor will resume processing H-2A and H-2B applications, activity designated essential during the government shutdown. The National Potato Council (NPC) and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) were among agric... more
NPC disappointed that US/Japan deal does not address fresh market access
The National Potato Council (NPC) has expressed disappointment that a trade deal between Japan and the U.S. signed Oct. 28 did not include fresh market access for U.S. potatoes. The U.S. has sought full market access to the Japanese market for dec... more
Report: Up to $12 billion in aid for US farmers could be available
Up to $12 billion in aid for farmers hurt by the Trump administration’s tariff policies will be available once the government shutdown ends, according to a Politico report. The report cited three sources familiar with the issue. Sen. John Hoe... more
Michigan harvest nears completion; 2026 contract negotiations begin
Michigan’s potato harvest is around 90% complete, with quality and recovery rates close to average for the state’s chipping crop. Open market potatoes are selling slightly below contract prices, according to a report compiled by North American... more
Bill would repeal licensing requirement for Michigan wholesale potato dealers
A Michigan bill that would repeal a 1964 rule that requires wholesale potato dealers to purchase licensing is scheduled to be discussed Oct. 30 during a House Agriculture Committee hearing. House Bill 4882, introduced by House Ag Committee Chair... more
Companies form new biorational solutions organization
Valent BioSciences, MGK, and Valent North America have formed a new biorational solutions company in an effort to streamline innovations and speed the delivery of innovations to market. Sumitomo Biorational Co. (SBC), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chem... more
Investigation to probe Chinese trade practices
As President Donald Trump left for a tour of Asia last week, his administration announced a trade investigation into China’s apparent failure to uphold the terms of the Phase One trade deal signed in 2020. The Office of the United States Trade R... more
Roundtable to highlight role of women in potato industry
A full slate of discussions and networking at Potato Expo 2026 will include a roundtable of three women making an industry impact hosted by Spudman magazine. “From Field to Future: Women Transforming the Potato Industry” will take place from 1... more
Potato trade talks part of sitdown between trade rep, senators
International potato trade was a topic on the table during a private lunch Oct. 15 between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and a group of senators. According to Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), potatoes were a “significant topic,” along wit... more
