National Potato Council

As potato producers face tough times, a push for market access in Japan could change everything. Find out how this could reshape the future for family farms.

Imagine the impact on our local farms if Japan opens its doors to fresh U.S. potatoes — it’s a potential game changer for the industry.

Potato Expo 2026, North America’s largest annual potato industry conference and trade show, is set for January 6th-8th in Dallas, TX.

The recently announced U.S.-Japan trade agreement is a disappointment for the National Potato Council, because it did not include fresh market access for American spuds.

The potato industry is hopeful good news on the trade front could be right around the corner.  The Trump administration has reportedly begun talks with Japan to eliminate tariff and non-tariff trade barriers.   “Since it became obvious that there was going to be a negotiation, specifically with Japan, we have been pushing the administration," said Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO.  &q

During last month’s annual Washington D.C. Summit, the National Potato Council elected Ted Tschriky to serve as President for the next 12 months.  The grower from the Pasco, WA-area said he feels the Northwest potato industry is doing fairly well, despite recent cutbacks in acreage over the past couple of years.   " tryi...

The University of Idaho is gearing up for the 57th annual Idaho Potato Conference, which will take place January 22nd –23rd in the Pond Student Union Building on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello.  U of I associate professor of plant pathology James Woodhall noted that much of this year’s workshops and presentations will focus on plant disease and pressures.   “Quite a bit... Read Mor

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers for their products.  The programs will also help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events.   ...

The most recent talks with Japanese officials that began nearly 20 years ago about getting U.S. fresh potatoes access in Japan ended just as they have every other year, in frustration.  National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles said nothing has changed.   “...

Nearly $101 billion.  That’s the economic impact the potato industry has on the U.S. economy.   On Tuesday, the National Potato Council released, "Measuring the Economic Significance of the U.S. Potato Industry," a comprehensive analysis on the domestic economic impact of potatoes.  The analysis, auth...