ISDA Head Wants Potato Access To Japan To Remain A Priority

When it comes to the trade wish list for the potato industry, Japan remains at or near the top.

Chanel Tewalt, Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture said potato groups, whether in the Gem state or nationally, continue to push the Administration about fresh table access to Japan. She noted the good relationship the U.S. enjoys with Japan hopefully will help when it comes to expanding market access.

"We have a very mutually beneficial relationship with Japan when it comes to beef," Tewalt said. "We send a lot of American beef. We send a lot of Idaho beef to Japan. And the Japanese also send beef to us. And they're very different products. And we recognize that they have their place, but they are different kinds of things."

Tewalt noted American producers would argue that's the same concept when it comes to potatoes.

"There is domestic production of potatoes in Japan," she said. "They're very different than an iconic Idaho Baker. And so, we want to be able to have that discussion. We have been doing that for years. It is a priority for the U.S. Trade Representative's Office. It is a priority across the board. But that represents, so fresh potato access into Japan probably represents about a $300 million opportunity for American potato producers."

Tewalt noted since Idaho produces over 1/3 spuds grown in the U.S., fresh table access would be a great opportunity for local growers.