Progress Being Made On Trade Agreements, Voigt Says

Trade is key for most growers and producers across the Northwest, and that is especially true for the local potato industry.  How is the Administration faring when it comes to providing new or updated trade agreements?

Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission says progress has been made under Trump 2.0, when it comes to Pacific Rim counties, but more is needed.

“We were hoping it would go a little bit faster, but we're still kind of hopeful," Voigt said.  "And really, the big one for us would have been fresh potato access in Japan. And the administration, both the USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative's Office said, fresh potato access was our number one priority for agriculture trade in the negotiations in Japan. And we just couldn't get it across the finish line. So, the administration announced a trade agreement with Japan, but unfortunately it didn't include fresh potato access. So, we were kind of disheartened by that.”

Despite that disappointment, Voigt says he’s hopeful other opportunities remain in other countries and other markets.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com