Northwest Lawmakers Want The Administration To Focus On Japan

Democrats and Republicans are calling on President Trump to prioritize opening the Japanese market to fresh U.S. grown potatoes.  Ending Japan’s restrictions on U.S. fresh potatoes would result in an estimated $150 million a year in new American exports, benefitting farming communities across the Northwest and nationwide.

A bipartisan, bicameral letter led by Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Idaho’s Mike Crapo, as well as Ranking Member, Oregon’s Ron Wyden, was also signed by senators Jim Risch, Maria Cantwell, Patty Murray and Jeff Merkley.

"With low commodity prices and increased input costs this year, the potato sector, and specialty crops more broadly, are facing a major economic crisis.  Japan represents a massive market with significant export opportunities for American potato growers,” the letter said.  “Securing this long-delayed market access petition and unlocking the critical Japanese export market would make a meaningful difference for potato growers in our states and across the country.” 

The effort was also supported on the House side by Idaho representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, Oregon’s Andrea Salinas, Cliff Bentz, Val Hoyle, Suzanne Bonamici, Janelle Bynum, and Washington Reps. Suzan DelBene, Dan Newhouse, Marilyn Strickland, Michael Baumgartner, Kim Schrier, Rick Larsen, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Adam Smith.

All together, 68 members of Congress signed the letter to President Trump.

Despite the U.S. first requesting access more than 30 years ago, Japan continues to delay substantive technical discussions.

National Potato Council Welcomes The Letter & Effort

“U.S. family farmers are facing an economic crisis fueled by low market prices and high input costs,” said Brett Jensen, National Potato Council Vice President of Trade Affairs and a potato grower from Idaho Falls, ID. “I want to thank Senator Crapo for his leadership in urging the Trump Administration to apply political pressure to Japan to finally end more than 30 years of delays.” 

“Opening this market would provide an immediate boost to the family farms in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation,” said Greg Harris, NPC Vice President of Finance and potato grower from Boardman, OR. “We appreciate Senator Wyden’s dedication to breaking down these long-standing trade barriers. This bipartisan effort sends a clear message that the U.S. expects Japan to honor its trade commitments and provide a level playing field for our producers.” 

According to a 2024 Study released by NPC, approximately 20% of U.S.-grown potatoes are exported, contributing $4.8 billion to the American economy and supporting 34,000 domestic jobs.

The NPC Board of Directors recently passed a resolution during its 2026 Washington Summit, urging the Trump Administration to address the topic, stating that: 

“The National Potato Council encourages the Trump Administration to move forward aggressively in securing Japanese market access for U.S. fresh table stock potatoes in 2026, including President Trump speaking directly about the issue with his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Takaichi during any upcoming meetings and showcasing high quality U.S. fresh potatoes on the menu for any formal meals between the two leaders.” 

You can read the letter lawmakers sent to President Trump by Clicking Here.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com