Eye on Potatoes: A Podcast on All Things Potatoes: Recent Episodes

Eye on Potatoes

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is brought to you by the National Potato Council. This is the place to tune in for conversations with growers and thought leaders on advocacy, production and all things potatoes. It's about talking with folks across the United States and hearing stories about how federal policy impacts potato farming and the important role the NPC plays in standing up for potatoes on Capitol Hill. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Guests:

Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie

The federal government shutdown is hitting U.S. potato growers where it hurts: market access and emergency relief.

Tune in as NPC CEO Kam Quarles and global trade expert Matt Lantz break down the real-world costs of the continued lapse in funding. This week, we dive deep into major concerns for the industry:

The Disrupted Japan Mission: Kam and Matt recently returned from a trade visit to Japan that was intended to move forward the long-awaited fresh potato access deal. They reveal how the shutdown, specifically the cancellation of the USDA Secretary's participation, impacted the negotiations in Tokyo as well as this week's bilateral meeting in Wenatchee, Wash.

The Fight for Grower Relief: Kam provides an update on the Trump Administration’s planned emergency aid package, initially prompted by challenges facing soybean farmers. He details the efforts of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance to ensure that potato growers are included in any aid package and to secure a mechanism that effectively delivers relief to specialty crop growers.

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles joins the podcast on September 11 to reflect on his experiences from 24 years ago and discuss the current state of affairs in Washington, D.C. He and host Lane Nordlund address the pending government shutdown, the implications of the "Make America Healthy Again" report, the possibilities for another round of economic relief, and the importance of passing a Farm Bill. Kam also highlights how the Trump Administration's tariff talks could lead to new opportunities for U.S. potato growers in markets like Japan.

During the NPC Washington Summit in February, potato growers Alexandria Bare (Minn.) and Ryan Christensen (Idaho) joined us to discuss their experience in the 2025 Leadership Institute.

This episode details the 2025 class's visit to Wisconsin, what they learned during the communication and media training courses, and how they will apply the Leadership Institute's teachings to their farms back home.

Potato LEAF is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Leadership Institute. Head to pleaf.org/leadership-institute-1 to learn more about the program and apply today.

Earlier this summer, Congress and USDA delivered desperately needed funding for specialty crop growers, including our potato farmers, through a $2.5 billion injection of federal support through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program and the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Joining us to break down this game-changing news are Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and Co-Chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, and Dean Gibson, NPC's Vice President of Legislative Affairs and an Idaho potato grower.

They'll discuss the origins of this investment, the light-speed delivery of payments, and the immediate impact on farms. We'll also explore how these funds, which include investments in agricultural research, foreign market promotion, and pest and disease eradication, are crucial for the sustained competitiveness of the potato industry and reflect the evolving recognition of specialty crops in U.S. agricultural policy.

Tune in to understand what this historic funding means for the future of your farm!

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During Potato Expo 2025, we were joined by Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, and Andy Lavigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), to dig into the future of potato growing with a fascinating topic: True Potato Seed

Andy will shed light on ASTA's pivotal role in evolving plant breeding methods and genetic discovery, then he'll break down what "true potato seed" is and its benefits for the potato sector. We'll also get an update on the regulatory and technological status of true potato seed and discuss where it's headed in the marketplace. Kam will outline the National Potato Council's role in this innovation and highlight the importance of events like Potato Expo 2025 in keeping growers and industry members informed.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The Trump Administration's "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Commission report, spearheaded by Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., has ignited a major debate across the U.S. food and agriculture landscape. While the National Potato Council applauds the report's focus on a healthier America and increased fruit and vegetable consumption, certain recommendations are raising critical questions for our industry.

In this episode, we're joined by NPC CEO Kam Quarles and returning guest Beth Johnson, Founder & Principal of Food Directions. We dive deep into the MAHA report, exploring its implications for food policy, the integrity of our science-based regulatory system, and the future of American family farms.

Join us as we discuss:

An overview of the MAHA Commission's key findings.
Effective strategies for expanding access to and awareness of healthy foods.
Defining "ultraprocessed foods" and distinguishing between beneficial and unhealthy food processing.
The critical importance of peer-reviewed science in food and agricultural policy, and the dangers of allowing popular opinion to sway regulatory decisions.
The implications of the report's criticisms of pesticides, including glyphosate, on farm practices and food safety protocols.
The broader philosophical shift in the MAHA report regarding scientific consensus versus individual beliefs.
How the agricultural industry and policymakers can collaborate to achieve a healthier America while safeguarding our science-based regulatory system and supporting family farms.
Top priorities for a science-based and practical implementation of the MAHA report's health goals.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Join us for a special episode dedicated to the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF)! Launched in January 2020 at Potato Expo, Potato LEAF is shaping the future of U.S. potato production through impactful leadership and educational programming, born from a vision to establish a long-term funding mechanism for the industry's growth.

In this episode, we'll dive into the five-year history of Potato LEAF, explore how collaborative leadership has driven its success, and celebrate the incredible results of its inaugural Founders Society Campaign, which surpassed its $2 million goal even amidst the challenges of COVID-19.

We're honored to host three influential voices from Potato LEAF's journey:

Larry Alsum, President and CEO of Alsum Farms and Produce. As National Potato Council President in 2019, Larry provided the foundational recommendation to create Potato LEAF for leadership development and education. He'll share insights into the genesis of this vital organization and give us a peek into his Wisconsin farm, a stop on this year's Leadership Institute.
Gregg Halverson, Chairman of the Board for Black Gold Farms and current Chair of Potato LEAF. Gregg will discuss the foundation's current initiatives and future direction.
Mike Wenkel, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of Potato LEAF.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Nathan Gonzales is Editor & Publisher of Inside Elections, which provides nonpartisan analysis of campaigns for Senate, House, governor, and president. He's also co-host of the Inside Elections Podcast and an Elections Analyst for CQ Roll Call.

During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, we sat down with Nathan to talk about the political trends coming out of the 2024 elections, the latest innovations and challenges shaping the future of political campaigning, and how the political chessboard has been rearranged for 2025 and beyond.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

U.S. EPA has made a concerted effort over the past several years to come into compliance with its obligations under the Endangered Species Act. Much of its efforts are driven by what is referred to as the Mega Suit by environmental groups, which are forcing deadlines on EPA to meet its obligations. During Potato Expo 2025, we sat down with two policy experts to talk about what the implementation of EPA’s strategy will mean for growers.

Guests:

Mike Aerts, Vice President of Science and Regulatory Affairs, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, we caught up with Brett Jensen, the newly elected National Potato Council Vice President of Trade Affairs. We chatted with Brett about his operations in Idaho Falls, his previous chairmanships of the Idaho Potato Commission and Potatoes USA, and how his background supports his role in leading NPC's trade advocacy efforts.

On April 9, President Trump announced he would pause "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of non-retaliating countries for 90 days while raising duties on China to 125%. Responding to the news, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and industry consultant Matt Lantz jumped on the podcast to discuss the rapidly changing environment around tariffs, how our industry's top export markets are reacting, and some new opportunities they are seeing for reaching new consumers throughout the world.

Guests:

Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President, Global Access at Bryant Christie, Inc.
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During February's NPC Washington Summit, we sat down with incoming NPC President Ted Tschirky of Tschirky Farms in Pasco, Wash, who talked about his new role and the importance of growers being industry advocates from the local to federal levels. Joining Ted was Dean Gibson from Paul, Idaho, and NPC’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs, who previewed some of the policy priorities that growers would be taking to their Members of Congress during their Hill visits.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During January's Potato Expo 2025, we sat down to talk about one of the most pressing issues impacting the agricultural community: labor.

Joining the podcast for the first time was Shawn Packer, principal member of JPH Law, who brought his extensive expertise in legal frameworks shaping agricultural operations to the discussion. JPH Law is a consultant to the National Potato Council through the Agricultural Workforce Coalition on agricultural labor policy. We were also joined by Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, who spearheads NPC's ag workforce efforts.

Guests:

Shawn M. Packer, Principal Member, JPH Law
Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, NPC

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

While a hot-button topic, the tariff issue has been a moving target. When U.S. potato growers met last week at the NPC Washington Summit, we had questions about whether tariffs would cover agricultural products or if they would be imposed at all. On Tuesday of this week, 25% tariffs were officially imposed on Canada and Mexico, but yesterday afternoon, the president announced that tariffs on both countries would be deferred for one month on all goods covered under the USMCA trade agreement, which includes fresh and processed potatoes.

With things changing by the day – or sometimes by the hour – we brought together a group of potato trade and supply chain experts to update growers on the current state of play.

Guests:

Mark Klompien, President/CEO, United Potato Growers of America
Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President, Global Access at Bryant Christie, Inc.
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During Potato Expo 2025, we sat down to talk about the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans process and the report issued late last year by the DGA Scientific Advisory Committee to understand how the final guidelines could impact the U.S. potato industry. We were joined once again by NPC CEO Kam Quarles and returning guest Beth Johnson from the company Food Directions, which has been working with NPC to ensure that accurate potato makes it into the final version of the guidelines.

Guests:

Beth Johnson, Founder + Principal, Food Directions

Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, and it continues to be an invaluable asset to the industry. In 2024, it added its first new program to its leadership development offerings – Leadership in the Field held at the Gettysburg Battlefield.

Recorded at Potato Expo 2025, we welcomed Colin Szawlowski, owner of Valley Spud LLC, and Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, to the podcast to talk about the successful programs of Potato LEAF – including the Leadership in the Field program – and the organization's impact in 2025.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The opening of Mexico to fresh table stock exports has created significant benefits for U.S. producers, Mexican consumers and even Mexican growers as demand for potatoes increases. During Potato Expo 2025, we brought together four industry experts to provide valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities surrounding U.S. potato exports. The episode highlights the 25-year journey to open the Mexican market for U.S. potatoes, demonstrating the collaboration between industry leaders and government officials.

• Overview of the 25-year effort to gain market access
• Strategies by Potatoes USA to educate Mexican consumers
• Differences in consumer preferences and purchasing power analysis
• Challenges in distribution channels and traditional market dynamics
• Importance of consumer sampling and education in driving demand
• Ongoing phytosanitary concerns and mitigation strategies
• Outlook on growth potential and market share for US potatoes in Mexico

Guests:
Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USA
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Luis Moreno, CEO, Grupo PM
Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President of Global Access, Bryant Christie Inc.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During Potato Expo 2025 in Orlando, Florida, we sat down with NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Randy Russell, President of The Russell Group, to reflect on the outcomes of the 2024 election and forecast how the policies being floated by the incoming Trump Administration and new Congress could impact growers in 2025 and beyond.

Guests:

Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Randy Russell, President, The Russell Group

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

With 2024 quickly coming to a close, we checked in with National Potato Council President Bob Mattive and NPC CEO Kam Quarles to look back on a busy year for agriculture policy and the organization, and look ahead at the upcoming Potato Expo and Washington Summit.

Guests:

Bob Mattive, 2024 NPC President and potato grower from Monte Vista, Colorado
Kam Quarles, NPC CEO

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Today’s “bleeding edge” and “cutting edge” technologies are moving into the mainstream at a breakneck pace, and yesterday’s science fiction will soon be tomorrow’s science-based reality. How can potato growers and supply chain partners hope to keep up?

Global futurist, best-selling author, and Potato Expo 2025 speaker Jack Uldrich called into the Eye on Potatoes Podcast to preview his keynote session on how artificial intelligence is transforming farming and agriculture, and how related advances in robotics, synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and quantum computing are all converging at this unique time in human history.

Don't miss his session. Register to join us at potato-expo.com.

Artificial Intelligence, Biologicals, Technology, and the Future of Farming🗓 Friday, January 10, 2025
🕘 9:00 – 10:00 AM
📍 Potato Pavilion

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

One week after the 2024 General Election, there's a lot we know (and even more we don't know) about the prospect for pro-potato and pro-agriculture policy efforts in 2025 and beyond. Calling into the Eye on Potatoes Podcast this week was Randy Russell, President of The Russell Group, and NPC CEO Kam Quarles to talk about the impact of rural voters in the election and what a new Trump Administration and a GOP-controlled Congress could mean for the Farm Bill, ag labor reform, trade opportunities, and other policy priorities.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

NPC CEO Kam Quarles and trade consultant Matt Lantz from Bryant Christie, Inc. traveled to Japan this week to advance the industry’s trade priority of gaining market access for U.S. fresh potatoes. The pair called in to report on their meeting with U.S. officials at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to urge their support to gain access to the $150 million market.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Research is a critical tool as we work to feed a growing population here in the U.S. and around the world. During each NPC Washington Summit, the National Potato Council, along with growers and state partners, head to Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers about the importance of funding key research programs.

Joining the discussion is NPC CEO Kam Quarles and the state manager from Michigan, Kelly Turner, the Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, to talk about the importance of research and how it is helping America’s potato growers produce more with less.

Guests:

Kam Quarles, CEO, NPC
Kelly Turner, Executive Director, Michigan Potato Industry Commission

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

With portions of the Farm Bill starting to expire and a federal shutdown looming should Congress fail to act by Oct. 1, NPC CEO Kam Quarles called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast to talk about the big issues that need to be addressed before the general election.

Also, with representatives from USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) scheduled to host plant health technical bilateral meetings with their Japanese counterparts in Idaho Falls, Kam talks about how he and others from the U.S. potato industry are pushing to finally open Japan's market for U.S. fresh potatoes.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) recently announced Sylvia (Xiuyan) Zhang, a Ph.D. student at the University of Maine, as the recipient of the organization’s 2024-25 Academic Scholarship. We sat down with Sylvia to talk about her background growing up in Inner Mongolia, often referred to as the "potato capital of China," and her research, which is focused on the dynamic behavior of bacterial species that cause potato blackleg and soft rot disease, as well as the influence of potato storage conditions on pathogen infection.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Japan is a significant market for U.S. processed potatoes, but as we’ve discussed a few times on this program, no U.S. fresh potatoes are allowed in Japan. The U.S. potato industry has been seeking approval to ship U.S. fresh potatoes into this significant market for over 20 years but the Japanese government continues to drag its heels.

However, on Sept. 16, USDA and their counterparts in Japan are taking part in a bilateral meeting in Idaho Falls to discuss this issue.

NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Sam Eaton Vice President of Legal & Government Affairs at the Idaho Potato Commission called in to the podcast to talk about what’s happening next month and how the potato industry and their allies in Congress are keeping the pressure on both USDA and Japan.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

It’s been a year since we last checked in on the potato wart situation in Prince Edward Island, Canada. This week, we sat down with Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, and Don Flannery, Executive Director of the Maine Potato Board, to talk about the U.S. potato industry's ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of wart to the United States. The group also talked about the release of a bipartisan letter by members of the U.S. Senate urging USDA to implement additional mitigation measures to prevent the introduction of PEI potato wart into U.S. growing areas.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

For this week's Eye on Potatoes Podcast, we caught up with Matt Lantz and Adam Hollowell from Bryant Christie, Inc., who are in D.C. for a meeting of the American Potato Trade Alliance. Matt and Adam talk about how APTA was created, their role with the organization, and how the alliance is helping the U.S. potato industry speak with a unified voice on trade issues.

Guests:

Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President of Global Access, Bryant Christie, Inc
Adam Hollowell, Senior Trade Policy Specialist, Bryant Christie, Inc

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

NPC CEO Kam Quarles joined Eye on Potatoes podcast host Lane Nordlund to discuss the House version of the 2024 Farm Bill, which was passed by the House Agriculture Committee in the early hours of Friday morning, and NPC’s efforts to urge Congress to finalize a bipartisan bill by the end of the year.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During Potato Expo 2024, Lane Nordlund, host of the Eye on Potatoes Podcast, sat down with the leaders of three national potato organizations for a conversation on how they are working to promote the health of the U.S. potato industry and supporting growers and partners up and down the supply chain.

Panelists:

Mark Klompien, President and CEO, United Potato Growers of America
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Blair Richardson, President and CEO, Potatoes USA

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Just when you thought NPC's efforts to keep potatoes defined as a vegetable couldn't gain more media attention, in comes Jimmy Fallon, who provided a light-hearted overview of the issue in the opening monologue of a recent Tonight Show. NPC CEO Kam Quarles and podcast host Lane Nordlund sat down to talk about NPC's efforts to protect potatoes in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the ongoing negotiations to open Japan's market to U.S. fresh potatoes, and if we can see a Farm Bill passed this year.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence is focused on building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. Companies within and outside agriculture are adapting AI to their operations to improve efficiency and productivity. During Potato Expo 2024, the Eye on Potatoes podcast welcomed one of the leaders of KUNGFU.AI, which helps clients transform themselves into AI-first companies.

Guest:

Ron Green, KUNGFU.AI Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Steve Lerch is a former Google executive, a consultant, and an award-winning international speaker. He spent nearly a decade at Google designing digital strategies and marketing campaigns for well-known brands like GoPro, federal government agencies like the US Census, and respected non-profits like the YMCA. Steve has recently specialized in the food and agriculture industry, working with everyone from Avocados from Mexico to John Deer to National Beef.

Steve returned to the Eye on Potatoes Podcast during Potato Expo 2024 to talk about the importance of creating digital content and the power of social media and viral videos to keep potatoes top of mind for all consumers.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

UPDATE: Due to scheduled construction at The Mirage Las Vegas, the National Potato Council moved the location of Potato Expo 2025 to the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 9-10, 2025.

After more than 20 years and numerous legal challenges, the Mexican market was opened to U.S. fresh potatoes in 2022. Nearly two years later, NPC, Potatoes USA, and the industry’s top trade consultants at Bryant Christie, Inc. came together at Potato Expo 2024 to assess where things are, how far they need to go, and the challenges in realizing the potential of this valuable export market.

Guests:

Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USA
Matt Lantz, Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie, Inc.
Ted Tschirky, NPC VP of Trade Affairs, Potato Grower, Pasco, Washington
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During Potato Expo 2024, National Potato Council 2023 President RJ Andrus and First Vice President Bob Mattive sat down to reflect on their time on the Executive Committee and preview some of the top policy priorities for the upcoming NPC Washington Summit, Feb. 26- March 1, 2024.

RJ Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a third-generation farmer and an owner of TBR Farms located in Hamer, Idaho. He has served on the Executive Committee since 2019, in roles including Vice President of Grower Outreach and Industry Research, and as Vice President of Legislative Affairs.

In addition to serving on the National Potato Council as First Vice President and Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Bob Mattive serves on several Colorado agricultural committees and boards. The 2,000-acre Worley Family Farms is run by Bob, his wife Gail (Worley), along with their sons Grant and Reid and nephew Matthew Smartt.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The Farm Bill expired in September 2023, and the dysfunction in Washington, D.C. continues to threaten this essential rewrite of our nation’s farm policy. Risk management, export promotion, pest and disease prevention, nutrition policy and numerous other programs that make growers competitive are tied up in political infighting. During Potato Expo 2024, Kam Quarles of National Potato Council and Tyson Redpath of The Russell Group sat down to talk about how we got here, where we might be going, and what growers can do to break the impasse on Capitol Hill.

Guests:
● Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
● Tyson Redpath, Principal, The Russell GroupThis podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

U.S. potato production is weather-sensitive and risk associated with adverse weather can derail a well-managed operation very quickly. During Potato Expo 2024, we sat down with Andrew Pritchard, Senior Meteorologist at Nutrien, to discuss how weather over the last 70 years has impacted potato production and what weather patterns are the best and worst for growing potatoes. Andrew also discussed the different types of weather risks and previewed the weather storylines to watch for in 2024.

Guest: Andrew Pritchard, Senior Meteorologist, NutrienThis podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

More Americans than ever before are firing up their grills, smokers, or flattops (sometimes all at the same time!) to make complete meals outside of their home kitchens. Ace Hardware spokesperson and grilling expert Chef Jason Morse calls in to preview his Potato Expo 2024 talk about how companies are responding to increased demand for products to help consumers mimic the viral grilling recipes they’ve seen on Instagram and TikTok.

Guest: Chef Jason Morse, CEC, National Spokesperson, Grilling Expert, Ace HardwareThis podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Potatoes USA is at the forefront of promoting healthy lifestyles and culinary excellence with the versatile potato. Chef RJ Harvey calls in to preview the Potato Expo 2024 session that will explore how potatoes can be prepared to cater to unique needs and preferences, including “Food as Medicine” advocates, foodservice operators, home cooks, and the ever-evolving Generation Z.

Guest: Chef RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC, Culinary Director, Potatoes USA

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Potato growers and industry partners from around the world will descend on the Austin Convention Center, Jan. 10-11, for Potato Expo 2024, which will tap into all things Texas, with barbeque, music, culture, and a heavy dose of potatoes.

Hosted annually by the National Potato Council, Potato Expo is the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry in North America, bringing together U.S. and international growers, suppliers, industry experts, and value chain partners all under one roof.

Kam Quarles, NPC CEO, and Hollee Alexander, NPC VP of Industry Relations & Events, called into the Eye On Potatoes podcast to talk about the already record-breaking Potato Expo 2024 and what the international potato industry can look forward to in Austin.

Learn more and register to join us at potato-expo.com.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

A 10-time Potato Expo attendee and frequent stage speaker, Cedric Porter, editor of World Potato Markets, called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast to discuss the state of European and global potato markets, processing trends across the world, and his love of all things potatoes.

Cedric previewed his upcoming presentation for the Potato Business Summit, Jan. 10 in Austin, Texas, during which he’ll discuss the remarkable post-pandemic growth in the global demand for potatoes and potato products. Follow him at @CedricP.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

To support the U.S. potato industry in its three-decade-old effort to open Japan's market to U.S. fresh potatoes, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Bryant Christie, Inc.’s Matt Lantz traveled to Japan in late September to offer their expertise during U.S.-Japan plant health technical meetings.

Kam and Matt called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast to report on the trip and the ongoing political roadblocks erected by Japanese regulators to prevent competition with their domestic potato growers.

Although the U.S. has had market access to Japan for chipping potatoes since 2006, the U.S. is seeking market access for all fresh potatoes, including table stock potatoes. Already the second largest market for U.S. potatoes, Japan’s market for U.S. fresh potato exports is estimated at $150 million to $200 million annually, once fully opened.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

With Rep. Kevin McCarthy out as Speaker of the House, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles calls into the Eye On Potatoes podcast to discuss how the move could impact growers, the future of the stalled FY24 Ag Appropriations Bill, and how the ag community needs to rally behind passing a bipartisan Farm Bill before the end of the year.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

This week we chatted about the formulation of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and how the U.S. potato industry is working to ensure that the positive facts about potato nutrition are heard by those creating the guidelines.

We were joined by NPC CEO Kam Quarles who submitted testimony to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which is charged with reviewing the current body of nutrition science and developing a scientific report for HHS and USDA to consider as it writes the 2025 DGAs.

We were also joined by Beth Johnson, who has spent over 25 years as a food policy expert, both inside and outside of government, including at the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Senate Agriculture Committee, and the National Restaurant Association. While at USDA, she helped lead the department’s work in creating the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. She’s the Founder and Principal of Food Directions, which helps organizations and companies operating in a global food policy environment. She and her team at Food Directions have been working closely with NPC to tell the positive potato story.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The 2023 Potato Industry Leadership Institute brought together outstanding potato growers and industry representatives for eight days of training and professional development, starting in Buffalo, New York, traveling through Pennsylvania, and ending in Washington, D.C. at the NPC Washington Summit.

The group's Grower Leader, Mike Phillips, and 2023 participant Bryan Bender sat down with Eye on Potatoes host Lane Nordlund to reflect on the training and the importance of leadership development for their operations and the greater industry.

Guests:

Bryan Bender, Bender Potatoes, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Mike Phillips, Walther Farms, Three Rivers, Michigan

Applications for the 2024 Leadership Institute, February 21 - March 1, 2024, is now open. Visit pleaf.org for more information.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

As Congress takes a break for its annual August recess, NPC keeps on truckin' by keeping tabs on problematic amendments to the FY24 Ag Appropriations Bill, the latest efforts to write a new five-year Farm Bill, the ongoing threat of spreading potato wart from Canada's Prince Edward Island to U.S. farms, and more.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The National Potato Council's annual EPA-USDA Farm Tour allows federal regulators the opportunity to meet with growers face-to-face to better understand how their decisions have real-world implications on family farms. In July 2023, NPC partnered with the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) to host its annual Agency Farm Tour in Washington’s Columbia Basin for USDA and EPA staff. Tour stops focused on the use of potato production technologies, including demonstrations of seed treatment, irrigation-mounted imaging cameras, drone and see-and-spray cameras, fumigation and chemigation equipment, and monitoring devices and models.

The Eye on Potatoes podcast caught up with Washington state potato grower and NPC Environmental Affairs Committee Member Grant Morris, who hosted tour participants on his farm and demonstrated his operation's use of drone scouting tools to aid in his Integrated Pest Management efforts.

Guests:

Grant Morris, Partner at Schneider Farms, Pasco, Wash.; WSPC Commissioner; and National Potato Council Environmental Affairs Committee Member
Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council

Learn more about NPC's annual agency farm tour here.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Previously administered by the National Potato Council (NPC), the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) is a program of the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF), a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity focused on leadership and education opportunities for the U.S. potato industry. As the program celebrates 20 years of training future potato leaders, the Eye on Potatoes podcast brought together four graduates during Potato Expo 2023 to talk about their experiences and how PILI impacted their careers.

Guests:

Dave Warsh, participant of the 2002 Class and a past president of NPC
Derek Peterson, participant of the 2012 Class
Taylor Grant, participant of the 2022 Class
RJ Andrus, participant of the 2006 Class, Board Member of Potato LEAF, and 2023 NPC President

The Leadership Institute is a 10-day program that provides an overview of the U.S. potato industry, the challenges and issues beyond the production sector, and the roles of the industry’s state and national organizations in maintaining a positive business climate for potato growers. Learn more at pleaf.org.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

With NPC President RJ Andrus and Eye on Potatoes podcast host Lane Nordlund both in town for meetings, we pulled together an in-person(!) discussion on some of the most pressing policy issues facing the U.S. potato industry, including:

Bipartisan efforts to open Japan's market for U.S. fresh potatoes
The impact of the Supreme Court's decision on Sackett vs. EPA on EPA's overreaching WOTUS regulations
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance's advocacy efforts and recent activity on the Farm Bill
And the 2023 NPC Summer Meeting later this month in Lake Tahoe.

Guests:

RJ Andrus, TBR Farms, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the 2023 President of the National Potato Council
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During Potato Expo 2023, the Eye on Potatoes podcast brought together the National Potato Council’s current, incoming, and immediate past presidents for a live recording where they offered their unique perspectives on the U.S. potato industry, the importance of grower leadership, and having strong associations at the state and national level.

Guests:

Jared Balcom, NPC 2022 President, Balcom & Moe, Pasco, Wash.
Dominic LaJoie, NPC 2021President, President/Owner, LaJoie Growers LLC, Van Buren, Maine
RJ Andrus, NPC 2023 President, TBR Farms, Idaho Falls, ID

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

Regenerative Agriculture has become a new term for production agriculture, and everyone is wondering what it means. During Potato Expo 2023, leaders in the potato industry sat down with the Eye on Potatoes podcast to talk about how they are defining it and practices that can result in positive benefits to producers.

Guests:

Ryan Findlay, Regional Lead Business Development, Rabo Carbon Bank
Daniel Metheringham, Vice President of Agriculture, McCain Foods USA
Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

During Potato Expo 2023, key association CEOs throughout the U.S. potato industry came together for a live podcast recording focused on current and future opportunities for potatoes. Alison Bodor, President and CEO of the American Frozen Foods Institute, Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, and Blair Richardson, President and CEO of Potatoes USA, sat down with Eye on Potatoes podcast host Lane Nordlund to talk about how the organizations work together to strengthen partnerships, create new opportunities, and work collaboratively to improve the potato industry.

Guests:

Alison Bodor, President & CEO, American Frozen Food Institute
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Blair Richardson, President & CEO, Potatoes USA

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.

The full Mexican market for fresh U.S. potatoes was finally opened in the Spring of 2022, culminating a decades-long effort to tap into that massive market. Since then, Potatoes USA has been working with its team in-country to build that market. At the same time, the National Potato Council has been working with Administration and Congressional leaders to ensure the boarder remains open for U.S. shipments.

During Potato Expo 2023, we sat down with Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer of Potatoes USA, Kam Quarles, CEO of NPC, and Matt Lantz, Vice President of Global Access at Bryant Christie Inc., to talk about the potential for Mexico for fresh potato exports, how have things been going so far, and efforts to open new markets for U.S. potatoes and potato products.

Guests:

Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USA
Kam Quarles, CEO, NPC
Matt Lantz, Vice President of Global Access, Bryant Christie Inc.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Long-time NPC Washington Summit favorite Charlie Cook sat down with Eye on Potatoes host Lane Nordlund before his address to 2023 Summit attendees for a wide-ranging interview reviewing the 2022 elections, previewing 2024 and beyond, and talking about his love of America's favorite vegetable. As the founder and contributor to the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, Charlie is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections and political trends.

Guest:

Charlie Cook, Founder and Contributor to the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

After taking the gavel as NPC's 2023 President, RJ Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho, along with VP of Legislative Affairs Dean Gibson of Paul, Idaho, sat down during the National Potato Council's 2023 Washington Summit to talk about the council's proactive policy agenda, working to advance specialty crop interests during Farm Bill negotiations, and the newly released study that revealed the industry's $100.9 billion impact on the U.S. economy.

Guests:

RJ Andrus, President, National Potato Council
Dean Gibson, Vice President, Legislative Affairs

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Each year as the blossoms start their bloom, U.S. potato growers descend on Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal policies that support their farms and businesses. To preview the 2023 Washington Summit (Feb. 27-March 3), NPC CEO Kam Quarles called in to talk about the issues that growers will be taking to their Members of Congress and to Administration officials, as well as the release of a groundbreaking analysis of the economic contributions of the U.S. potato industry.

Guest:

Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

The potato industry has a great story to tell about the efforts underway to sustainably produce America's favorite vegetable. During Potato Expo 2023, we sat down with John Mesko, Executive Director of the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA), and Mike Wenkel, the National Potato Council's staff lead on environmental issues, to talk about how the industry is embracing its role as a sustainability leader in the agriculture community.

Guests:

John Mesko, Executive Director, Potato Sustainability Alliance
Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

For the first time at Potato Expo 2023, attendees were treated to a special potato-themed cook-off, “This Spud’s for You – Celebrity Chef Edition,” hosted by Ted Allen, the Emmy Award-winning host of Chopped and Chopped Junior. Two Colorado potato industry chefs (Jason Morse, CEC, owner and executive chef of 5280 Culinary in Littleton, Colo., and RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC, the Culinary Director of Potatoes USA) paired up with Food Network personalities Duff Goldman and Simon Majumdar for a competition around creating dishes that put potatoes at the center of the plate.

Prior to the competition, Ted, Duff, and Simon sat down with Eye on Potatoes Podcast host Lane Nordlund for a wide-ranging discussion over their collective love of potatoes, how they incorporate spuds into their cooking, and preview the upcoming cookoff.

Guests:

Ted Allen (@thetedallen)
Duff Goldman (@duffgoldman)
Simon Majumdar (@simonmajumdar)

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Chefs RJ Harvey and Jason Morse are not only contestants in the This Spud’s for You – Celebrity Chef Edition cook-off at next week’s Potato Expo 2023, they are also innovators in cooking America’s number one vegetable! Eye on Potatoes host Lane Nordlund sat down with RJ and Jason to talk about how the cook-off competition with Duff Goldman and Simon Majumdar (and hosted by Ted Allen) came together, some of their favorite potato dishes, and what it means to meet with the people who grow their favorite vegetable to prepare.

Guests:

RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC, is the Culinary Director for Potatoes USA.
Jason Morse, CEC, is owner and executive chef of 5280 Culinary in Littleton, Colo., and the chef, grilling, and BBQ expert for ACE Hardware.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Given the inherent unpredictability of our modern world, businesses can no longer rely on that one great idea, product, or strategy. Former Google executive and consultant Steve Lerch gives us a preview of his Potato Expo 2023 presentations that will provide attendees some practical ideas on how companies can develop a culture of innovation built on open mindedness, flexibility, collaboration, and creativity.

Guest: Steve Lerch, President, Story Arc Consulting

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

As the final ballots are still being tallied, control of both the U.S. Senate and House remain hanging in the balance. To help make sense of it all, Beltway-insiders from government relations firm The Russell Group join us to learn more about what the midterm results could mean for the potato industry.

NPC policy and political advisors Tyson Redpath and Jessica Schulken from The Russell Group join NPC CEO Kam Quarles for a discussion on how a potentially split Congress could shape the agriculture policy landscape for the next two years.

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

In late September, Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) introduced the "Protect Farmers from the SEC Act" -- a bill that would prohibit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring publicly traded companies to disclose the greenhouse gas emissions from farms and ranches in its value chain. Congressman Lucas called in to talk about his efforts to support American agriculture by opposing this federal governmental overreach, and, as a former Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, previewed the challenges of writing a 2023 Farm Bill.

Plus NPC's Kam Quarles and Hollee Alexander sat down to discuss Potato Expo 2023, Jan. 4-5, in Denver, Colorado, and one of the event's featured sessions: This Spuds for You – Celebrity Chef Edition. The celebrity cook-off will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning host of Chopped and Chopped Junior Ted Allen and feature chef teams led by pastry chef, Food Network personality, and cookbook author Duff Goldman vs. author, food and travel writer, and Food Network personality Simon Majumdar.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

As we prepare for Potato Expo 2023, Jan. 4-5 in Aurora, Colorado, we throw it back to an interview we conducted last January with author, chef, and Food Network personality Simon Majumdar. The Potato Expo fan favorite joined us to talk about his favorite potato dish, the versatility of potatoes, and why consumers and chefs alike love potatoes!

Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer at Potatoes USA, joins the podcast to talk about how her and her team are working to strengthen the demand for potatoes in the U.S. and in important export markets around the world. Now in her eighth year with Potatoes USA, Kim also addresses how the marketing of potatoes has changed and what the industry is doing to invest in potato nutrition science and new marketing strategies to engage consumers and change the way people think about potatoes.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

As harvest begins in earnest around the country, we check in with Bob Mattive, partner at Worley Family Farms in Monte Vista, Colorado, for a update on the 2022 potato crop in the San Luis Valley and some history of his family-owned operation.

In addition, as Vice President of the Environmental Affairs Committee for the National Potato Council, Bob shares his feedback on the recent farm tour for staff of the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Hosted by the National Potato Council in cooperation with the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, the tour helped participants gain a better understanding of the pest challenges faced by potato growers across the nation in growing and delivering potatoes to market.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) recently announced that Paige Hickman, a Ph.D. student at the University of Idaho, studying plant-parasitic nematodes, insect pests, and diseases of potato, was the recipient of its 2022-23 Academic Scholarship.

The $10,000 scholarship award is provided annually to one graduate student with a strong interest in research that can directly benefit the U.S. potato industry. As a Ph.D. student, Hickman’s research focuses on creating practical control strategies and educating growers on sustainable pest and disease management. Her research is currently focused on potato cyst nematode (PCN), a quarantined pest in Idaho.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

With record-breaking inflation numbers coming out of the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, we checked in with University of Idaho Assistant Professors Pat Hatzenbuehler and Liang “Jimmy” Lu to update us on the economic environment, supply chain issues, and geopolitical challenges increasing production costs for members of the potato supply chain, and reflect on the forecasts they provided attendees at Potato Expo 2022 in January.

Guests:

Pat Hatzenbuehler is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist – Crops Economics at the University of Idaho. Pat performs evidence-based research and extension work on agricultural commodity markets with a focus on market structure and conditions for crops grown in Idaho.
Liang “Jimmy” Lu is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Idaho. Jimmy studies agricultural supply chains, agri-food e-commerce, and big data.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a proposed greenhouse gas disclosure rule that would require publicly traded companies to disclose the carbon emissions of every entity up and down their supply chain. This week, NPC CEO Kam Quarles joined the podcast to talk about how that disclosure overreach would place an overwhelming burden on food producers who supply publicly traded processors, restaurants, and retailers. Additionally, Kam provides a recap of NPC’s successful 2022 Summer Meeting in Nashville, which brought together 150+ potato industry members for a week of fun and discussions about the future of the industry.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles calls in from the swamp to update growers on key trade and policy issues moving in Washington, D.C. Plus Kam previews the organization's 2022 Summer Meeting, June 16-17 in Nashville, which will bring together potato growers from across the country to reconnect in person and kick off the council's next fiscal year.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

For the first time in 25 years, U.S. fresh potatoes crossed into Mexico on May 11 destined for markets beyond the previous 26-kilometer restricted area. The news signaled the start of Mexico’s process to restore full market access for U.S. potatoes after decades of disputes and legal obstructions.

NPC CEO Kam Quarles joined the podcast to talk about the unwavering, bipartisan support from Capitol Hill, USDA, and USTR required to restore U.S. fresh potato access, and the work moving forward to ensure the border remains open.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Each year, the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) brings together outstanding potato growers and industry representatives for eight days of training and professional development, starting in a potato growing region and concluding in Washington, D.C. when the class links up with participants of the NPC Washington Summit.

During the 2022 Washington Summit, Eye On Potatoes hosted a live podcast recording with PILI alumnus and 2022 Grower-leader Doug Posthuma from Wisconsin, 2022 PILI attendee Bevan Lenz from Colorado, and Potato LEAF Vice President Mike Wenkel to talk about their personal leadership growth and value the program delivers to the industry.

For more on PILI, visit pleaf.org.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Sustainability and climate change continue to be a part of the conversation, both in policy discussions and within the potato supply chain. During Potato Expo 2022, we sat down with two of the industry's sustainability leaders who are working to ensure the potato industry remains at the front of agriculture’s sustainability success story.

Guests:

John Mesko, Executive Director, Potato Sustainability Alliance
Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Fresh off his election as NPC's 2022 President, Jared Balcom of Pasco, Washington, along with NPC VP of Legislative Affairs RJ Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho, sat down during the Washington Summit to talk about the council's 2022 policy agenda and the power of growers speaking with one voice to Stand Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

For more than 25 years, Amy Walter has built a reputation as an accurate, objective, and insightful political analyst with unparalleled access to campaign insiders and decision-makers. Before her NPC Washington Summit keynote address, Amy sat down with Eye on Potato host Lane Nordlund to provide a sneak peek into the issues, trends and events that are shaping today’s tumultuous political environment.

Guest: Amy Walter, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Cook Political Report with Amy Walter

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Food insecurity, climate change, and sustainability are not words typically associated with the nutritional value of food. Even so, as USDA sets the stage to write their next Dietary Guidelines, activists are pushing to expand the federal government’s definition what “nutrition” could mean to policymakers and consumers. At Potato Expo 2022, top experts in food policy sat down to talk about how anti-potato activists are trying to influence nutrition policy – and what the industry is doing to head them off at the pass.

Guests:

Allie Graham, MS, RDN, Senior Director, Food Policy & Global Regulatory Affairs, Food Directions
Robert Guenther, Chief Public Policy Officer, International Fresh Produce Association

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

How is inflation related to changes in the post-pandemic global economy? What non-pandemic-related factors have been influential in causing higher prices for some goods, including food? What aspects of higher inflation are particularly important for influencing potato production?

These questions (and more!) were answered by the experts at Potato Expo 2022 to help members of the potato industry mitigate increasing costs.

During a first-ever live taping of an Expo Stage session, Eye on Potatoes Podcast host Lane Nordlund was joined by University of Idaho Assistant Professors Pat Hatzenbuehler and Liang “Jimmy” Lu to give attendees a better understanding of economic environment of increasing production costs, especially for fertilizer and fuel.

Guests:

Pat Hatzenbuehler is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist – Crops Economics at the University of Idaho. Pat performs evidence-based research and extension work on agricultural commodity markets with a focus on market structure and conditions for crops grown in Idaho.
Liang “Jimmy” Lu is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Idaho. Jimmy studies agricultural supply chains, agri-food e-commerce, and big data.

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

Two years after the U.S. potato industry celebrated the Mexican Supreme Court's unanimous ruling in favor of allowing U.S. fresh potato imports, as we begin 2022, the industry has never been closer to finally supplying this important trading partner with high-quality U.S. product. During Potato Expo 2022 in Anaheim, California, the industry's trade experts sat down to discuss efforts underway to knock down trade barriers in key countries such as Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other promising markets.

Guests:

Matt Lantz, Vice President of Global Access, Bryant Christie Inc.
John Toaspern, Vice President of International Marketing, Potatoes USA
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry’s complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

RJ Harvey joined Potatoes USA in 2017 as its Culinary Director, where he develops flavors, ideas, and concepts for the U.S. potato industry. RJ called into the podcast to talk about his background, role in fueling performance through potatoes, and impacting healthful changes across the culinary industry by adding potatoes to menus.

RJ also talks about putting potatoes on center stage at Potato Expo 2022 to showcase their diversity, adaptability, and versatility. Joining him will be Food Network Personality Simon Majumdar for two fun and educational Expo Stage sessions.

For RJ's recipes for the holiday season, visit potatogoodness.com.

To register for Potato Expo 2022, Jan. 5-6, in Anaheim, California, visit potato-expo.com.

In light of the multiple potato wart finds on Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI), during a meeting of the Potato Association of America on December 1, 2021, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) provided growers and industry partners an update on its soil sampling efforts throughout the province’s potato production area. Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council calls in to discuss how CFIA's own data -- which demonstrates a clear and troubling reduction in sampling -- leaves the industries on both sides of the border with uncertainties about the spread of the disease on PEI and what the future holds for reopening trade with this important industry partner.

On Nov. 6, Mexico's National Service for Agricultural Health, Food Safety, and Agri-Quality (SENASICA) published the Phytosanitary Requirement Sheet for U.S. potato imports to the entirety of Mexico. NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer John Toaspern joined the podcast to announce another important step that was taken to fully reopen the market for U.S. fresh potatoes: an operational work plan that was signed by Mexico and the United States.

With the NPC Executive Committee together this week for their first in-person meeting in D.C. since February 2020, President and Maine potato grower Dominic LaJoie joined CEO Kam Quarles for an update on the organization's end-of-year policy activities and previews of the Potato Expo 2022 and NPC Washington Summit.

Thilani Jayakody, a third-year graduate student in the Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, was recently announced as the recipient of the Potato LEAF's 2021-22 Academic Scholarship. Thilani joins podcast host Lane Nordlund and NPC's Mike Wenkel for a conversation about her background, academic research, and the importance of the Potato LEAF scholarship in helping her reach her career goals.

The Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) provides a $10,000 scholarship award annually to one graduate student with a strong interest in research that can directly benefit the U.S. potato industry. As a Ph.D. candidate and graduate research assistant, Thilani was recognized for her research in potato genome editing focused on the application of new breeding techniques for crop improvement.

For more information on Thilani's work and the Potato LEAF Academic Scholarship, visit pleaf.org.

National Potato Council Vice President of Legislative Affairs JR Andrus from Idaho joins CEO Kam Quarles for a discussion on proposals being floated in Congress to fund infrastructure improvements on the backs of family farmers. JR says that some infrastructure investments are important, however they should not be paid for by undermining U.S. family farms that are still struggling to recover from the pandemic.

NPC 2021 President and Maine potato grower Dominic Lajoie and NPC CEO Kam Quarles sat down with us to preview next week's Summer Meeting Virtual and update the industry on a number of policy development that have occurred since the Annual Meeting in February, including:

NPC’s efforts over the pandemic to secure $350 million for growers to offset foodservice disruptions;
Ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico to reinstate access to U.S. fresh potatoes; and,
The latest efforts on Capitol Hill to address comprehensive immigration reform, including ag labor reform.

For information about or to register for NPC's Summer Meeting, July 26-28, visit nationalpotatocouncil.org/summer-meeting.

Farmers, ranchers, and forest owners are on the frontlines of climate change and have an important role to play in developing solutions. That shared understanding led an unprecedented group — representing farmers, forest owners, the food sector, state governments, and environmental advocates — to form the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA), of which the National Potato Council is a member.

This week, Randy Russell, founder of The Russell Group, which manages the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, joins the podcast to talk about how the FACA coalition got started and why it was so important that potato growers have taken a seat at the table.

To learn more about FACA, visit agclimatealliance.com.

This week, the Eye on Potatoes podcast welcomed Mark Klompien, President and CEO of United Potato Growers of America, to provide an outlook for remainder of this current shipping crop and a look head to plantings and acreage for the 2021 fresh potato crop. Additionally, in his role as Chairman of United Fresh’s Government Relations Council, Mark discussed the United Fresh/PMA merger and what it means for potato organizations.

Learn more about UPGA at unitedpotato.com.

The Leadership Institute Alumni Summit, July 13-15, will bring together Potato Industry Leadership Institute graduates to network, refresh skills, and learn new techniques to better position themselves for success in the potato industry. All past graduates of the Institute are invited to participate in the three 90-minute workshops that will be active, engaging, fast-paced, high energy and packed with tips to put to use immediately.

Two of the three sessions will be led by Laurie Richards – a familiar face to Institute grads – as she’s taught leadership training seminars for the Institute for many years.

Laurie and Mike Wenkel from Potato LEAF join the podcast to talk about what alumni can look forward to during this first-ever virtual summit.

Courses will include:

Refining Your Leadership Skills
Refining Your Conflict Management
Boosting the Team's Morale

Registration closes June 18, 2021. For additional information visit pleaf.org.

After years of delay, on April 28, Mexico's Supreme Court unanimously ruled to overturn a lower court decision that prevented the Mexican federal government from implementing regulations to allow for the importation of fresh U.S. potatoes throughout the country. The ruling, cheered by the U.S. potato industry and its supporters in the U.S. federal government, marks the end of a decade-long legal process that began when Mexico’s potato industry sued its government to prevent competition from imports.

NPC Vice President of Trade Affairs Jared Balcom and NPC CEO Kam Quarles call in to celebrate the decision and discuss next steps, including urging Mexico to immediately reinstate the rules to allow for the normalization of trade between our countries.

Mexico is the third largest export market for U.S. potatoes and products valued at over $270 million in 2020. Despite the restriction to the 26-kilometer border region Mexico is the second largest market for fresh potato exports accounting for 106,000 metric tons valued at $60 million in 2020. The U.S. potato industry estimates that access to the entire country for fresh U.S. potatoes will provide a market potential of $200 million per year, in five years.

National Potato Council COO Mike Wenkel calls in to talk about the upcoming Leadership Institute Alumni Summit, to be held July 13-15, which will virtually bring together graduates of the Potato Industry Leadership Institute to network, refresh skills, and learn new techniques to better position themselves for success in the potato industry.

Also Mike discusses Potato LEAF's 2021-22 Academic Scholarship, which will provide one $10,000 scholarship to honor a graduate student (Master’s degree or higher) working to conduct research and provide information that will improve the future of the U.S. potato industry. Learn more about both opportunities at pleaf.org.

Plus, NPC CEO Kam Quarles joins the podcast for a trade policy discussion, including the ongoing standoff in Mexico’s Supreme Court, which continues to delay ruling on a set of cases that could allow for the full importation of fresh U.S. potatoes.

This week, the National Potato Council and 26 leading food and agriculture associations sent a letter to USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai communicating growing concerns over the rapid deterioration of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship. The letter calls attention to alarming recent developments with regard to the food and agriculture trade relationship with Mexico -- including the ongoing ban on the full importation of U.S. fresh potatoes -- and urges action to address these challenges.

Eye on Potatoes welcomes Michael Anderson, Vice President of Trade and Industry Affairs for the Corn Refiners Association, to talk about CRA's challenges with Mexico and the industry-wide effort to engage the Biden Administration on addressing the quickly deteriorating trade relationship.

NPC CEO Kam Quarles joins Michael to give an update on the legal cases currently before the Mexican Supreme Court that would overturn the country's ban on full importation of U.S. fresh potatoes.

Thanks to our episode sponsor AgroThrive, delivering the world's first predigested organic fertilizers to farmers across the nation since 2006. Visit agrothrive.ag for more.

Dominic LaJoie of Van Buren, Maine was elected to serve as National Potato Council's 2021 President and to head the grower-led organization’s Executive Committee. Dominic is a fourth-generation potato grower and partner of LaJoie Growers LLC, which operates throughout Aroostook County, Maine. He previously served the NPC Board as First Vice President and Vice President of the Environmental Affairs Committee.

Dominic joined NPC CEO Kam Quarles to talk about the council's policy priorities for this session of Congress and provide an update about the first-ever virtual Potato D.C. Fly-In.

Thanks to our episode sponsor AgroThrive, delivering the world's first predigested organic fertilizers to farmers across the nation since 2006. Visit agrothrive.ag for more.

As U.S. potato grower prepare to gather (virtually) for the 2021 National Potato Council Annual Meeting, Feb. 22-25, we sat down with 2020 NPC President Britt Raybould to discuss some of the ups and downs of the past year, including the industry's unprecedented efforts in D.C. to support family farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Raybould serves as chief financial officer of Raybould Brothers Farm in Rexburg, Idaho. She previously served the NPC board as First Vice President and Vice President of the Legislative and Government Affairs Committee. She was the third generation of the Raybould family to serve as NPC President and the first female president in NPC’s 73-year history.

In addition, NPC CEO Kam Quarles called in to talk about the upcoming Potato D.C. Fly-In and the policy priorities growers will be bringing before lawmakers as the industry comes together to Stand Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.

To learn more about NPC's policy efforts, visit nationalpotatocouncil.org.

Thanks to our episode sponsor AgroThrive, delivering the world's first predigested organic fertilizers to farmers across the nation since 2006. Visit agrothrive.ag for more.

During Potato Expo 2021, Craig Regelbrugge, Senior Vice President of AmericanHort, joined NPC CEO Kam Quarles for a discussion about how the new political dynamics could impact the ability to pass bipartisan ag labor reform. Regelbrugge says the problem is the middle has largely fallen out of our politics, and the agriculture community must find enough supporters in Congress to come together as we did in 2019-2020.

Plus, as the teams at USDA and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees begin to take shape, Kam calls in to provide a Washington update and previews some of the issues that will take center stage during February's Potato D.C. Fly-In.

Thanks to our episode sponsor AgroThrive, delivering the world's first predigested organic fertilizers to farmers across the nation since 2006. Visit agrothrive.ag for more.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in pandemic relief. Historic federal potato purchases. Categorizing agriculture as essential. It's hard to keep track of everything that's happened in 2020 so during January's Potato Expo 2021, we brought together some of the specialty crop industry's leading advocates to look back at a year we'll never forget and look ahead to finding a new path forward with the new Congress and Biden Administration.

Plus NPC CEO Kam Quarles calls in with a D.C. update on last week's violence on Capitol Hill and previews how NPC is building relationships with the incoming administration as we confront the new political realities.

Guests:
Michael A. Joyner, President, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
Dave Puglia, President & CEO, Western Growers Association
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Tom Stenzel, President, United Fresh Produce Association

Sponsor:
AgroThrive, delivering the world's first predigested organic fertilizers to farmers across the nation since 2006. Visit agrothrive.ag for more.

Back by popular demand, Roy Spence is returning to Potato Expo!

Roy is the co-founder & chairman of GSD&M, and co-founder & CEO of The Purpose Institute, which helps organizations discover, articulate, and bring to life their deeper purpose in the world. He calls into the podcast to give us a preview of his session kicking off the first-ever virtual Potato Expo 2021, Jan. 5-7. Learn more at potato-expo.com.

PLUS, NPC CEO Kam Quarles provides insight into the new $900 billion COVID-19 relief package just announced by Congress, which includes a new round of aid to a wide array of agriculture sectors while also ensuring the deductibility of expenses used to get forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loans.

The impact of the COVID outbreak and subsequent lockdowns vastly impacted consumers' eating, shopping, and cooking patterns. In a preview of his Potato Expo 2021 presentation, long-time senior vice president of the Food Marketing Institute and author, Michael Sansolo sits down with Eye on Potatoes to talk about some of the changes the pandemic brought about in 2020 and their potential lasting impacts for the food industry.

PLUS Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO, provides an update on the latest news coming out of D.C., including the nomination of former Secretary Tom Vilsack to return to USDA, new leadership in the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, ongoing trade access issues, and the latest government funding extension and a potential COVID relief package.

Leading agriculture political advisor Randy Russell of The Russell Group joins National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and host Lane Nordlund for an in-depth discussion of the 2020 election results and how the potato industry will work with the new Congress and Biden Administration to advance its policy priorities. The group forecasts the potential to move forward the industry’s trade agenda, legislation that would help secure a stable workforce, and ensuring potatoes remain in federal nutrition programs. Additionally, with the government funding deadline around the corner and Capitol Hill debating the next round of COVID relief, they discuss what the Lame Duck session might hold for growers and the rest of America.

Host Lane Nordland and Mike Wenkel, COO of the National Potato Council, sit down to discuss the first 11 months of the newly formed Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF). From a successful launch at Potato Expo 2020, Potato LEAF challenged the industry with a $2 million fundraising goal to support the Foundation's Legacy Fund, designed to fund programs like the Potato Industry Leadership Institute well into the future.

Despite dealing with a pandemic, Mike shares how the U.S. potato industry has risen to the challenge and is on the cusp of hitting its funding goal. He also shares ways to make a contribution or pledge to the foundation by visiting www.pleaf.org.

Though 2020 has been a challenging year for potato growers and the entire country, the year saw a number of significant trade victories, with markets expanded in Mexico, Canada, Japan, China, and with other trade partners. Since 20% of the U.S. potato crop is currently destined for foreign consumers, trade is a priority for U.S. growers and the entire potato industry.

Joining the podcast is Jared Balcom, NPC Vice President for Trade Affairs and Washington State potato grower, and Matt Lantz, Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie Inc., to talk about the recent trade pacts, opportunities for 2021, as well as ongoing challenges with Mexico and other nations.

In addition, Kam Quarles, NPC CEO, and Hollee Alexander, NPC VP of Industry Relations and Events, calls in to provide an update on Potato Expo 2021. The largest potato industry conference and trade show in North America, the 2021 event has been reimagined as a Virtual Experience, held exclusively online. Learn more at potato-expo.com.

With less than a month before Election Day, NPC CEO Kam Quarles calls in to discuss how potato growers are accessing $14 billion in aid available through USDA's new CFAP 2 program and the latest Congressional efforts to fund the government until early December. Kam also provides an update on Potato Expo 2021, currently scheduled for January 6-7 as an in-person and online hybrid event and NPC's Annual Meeting, moved to coincide with February's Potato D.C. Fly-In.

Farmers, retailers, and consumers are faced with a host of regulations and labels that are designed to inform and secure our food supply. From the biotech disclosure regulations to the Food Safety Modernization Act, the requirements upon the food supply chain and the information it provides consumers are changing rapidly. During Potato Expo 2020, we brought together policy experts for a conversation designed to cut through the confusion and let listeners know what obligations and information are coming their way.

Guests:

Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Tyson Redpath, SVP, The Russell Group

On Friday, Sept. 18, the National Potato Council welcomed the announcement that USDA will implement an expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program -- CFAP 2 -- which will provide an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs due to the government-imposed food service disruptions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NPC CEO Kam Quarles calls in from DC to react to the breaking news and to thank USDA for taking this additional step toward relief for the members of the potato industry who have experienced significant economic hardships in 2020.

Over the past 20 years, NPC and the U.S. potato industry have been working to allow full access to U.S. fresh potatoes to be sold throughout Mexico. On Aug. 18, three U.S. Senators called on U.S. trade negotiators to use the new authority found in the USMCA to increase pressure on Mexico to honor its commitment to allow access to U.S. fresh potatoes.

NPC CEO Kam Quarles joined the podcast to discuss this long-simmering issue, which could amount to over $100 million annually, benefiting U.S. potato growers and Mexican consumers alike.

Due to litigation brought by the Mexican potato cartel against their own government, U.S. fresh potatoes cannot be shipped beyond 26 kilometers of U.S.-Mexico border. This is a violation of a 2014 Mexican government decision to allow full access to U.S. fresh potatoes to be sold throughout Mexico and violates Mexico’s responsibilities under the World Trade Organization and the new USMCA. The litigation is currently before the Mexican Supreme Court, which has been on hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.

NPC President Britt Raybould calls in from Idaho to talk about the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), which are currently being drafted by USDA and U.S. Health and Human Services, as well as NPC's efforts to advocate for the inclusion of potatoes in all forms in the recommendations.

NPC has played an active role in nutrition policy for many years, most recently correcting various policy decisions under the Obama Administration that disregarded nutrition science in the pursuit of excluding white potatoes from several federal feeding programs. It is anticipated that the final DGAs will be published before the end of 2020.

More than 160 participants from EPA, USDA, and throughout the potato industry joined NPC’s virtual Agency Tour in July, gaining a better understanding of the pest challenges faced by potato growers across the nation in growing and delivering potatoes to market.

NPC COO Mike Wenkel calls in to discuss the importance of the annual tour, which provides federal regulators information on pest management related to growing seed and in the pre-plant, planting, in the field, and post-harvest stages. Mike also discusses what the next round of coronavirus food assistance might look like as negotiations continue in Washington.

Jim Ehrlich, Executive Director of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee -- who was scheduled to host the in-person tour before it was moved to a virtual event -- also joins the podcast to talk about potato production and crop protection tools utilized in the San Luis Valley.

Recognizing the need to continue to advance potato production practices, the U.S. potato industry is engaged is a wide spectrum of research encompassing the development of new varieties, soil health, and pest management. At Potato Expo 2020, we sat down with some of the industry's leading researchers and specialists for a discussion on the current research and where future efforts need to focus.

Plus, NPC CEO Kam Quarles calls in to provide an update on USDA's decision to revise the payment rates for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which previously prevented potato growers from receiving equitable access to relief funds.

Guests:

Kerwin Bradley, Chief Production Officer, Black Gold Farms
John Lundeen, Research Director, Potatoes USA
Mark Pavek, Associate Professor/Potato Specialist, Washington State University
Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, National Potato Council

As part of NPC’s 2020 Summer Meeting VIRTUAL on June 25, NPC President Britt Raybould, CEO Kam Quarles, and COO Mike Wenkel presented the “State of the Industry and COVID-19 Response” to update growers and industry supporters on actions taken on the federal level to support the industry during these unprecedented times.

The “State of the Industry” also included reports by Mark Klompien, CEO of United Potato Growers of America, Matt Lantz, Vice President of Global Access, Bryant Christie Inc., Blair Richardson, CEO of Potatoes USA, and John Toaspern, Chief Marketing Officer of Potatoes USA.

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (LEAF) is a new 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing the tools, training, and support necessary to develop growers and industry members as leaders. Joining the podcast is Shelley Olsen of LJ Olsen, Inc. in Othello, Wash., and Chair of Potato LEAF to talk about how the industry is coming together to grow leaders who will thrive in the competitive global marketplace of the future.

Plus, NPC CEO Kam Quarles provides an update on NPC's efforts to support growers as the nation works to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

As potato growers continue to reel from the COVID-19 pandemic fallout, Congressman Mike Simpson and the entire Idaho Congressional delegation are championing policy solutions to support the nation's struggling potato industry. Congressman Simpson joins the podcast to discuss the role Congress needs to play as the industry works to dig out from a 1.5 billion pound oversupply of 2019 potatoes stuck in the supply chain and seeks meaningful direct payment relief to keep family farms in business.

Also, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles calls in from D.C. to discuss the $300 million in additional potato purchases the industry needs to help bring supply and demand back into balance.

Guests:

U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (R-Idaho)
NPC CEO Kam Quarles

In early 2020, the potato industry launched the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) to support the efforts of growers to adapt potato production practices that align with consumer and market expectations. During Potato Expo 2020, we sat down with some of the industry's leaders for a discussion on the cooperative work to support, advance, and communicate potato sustainability across the supply chain.

Guests:
Tommy Jackson, Sustainable Solutions Account Manager at Syngenta USA
Tammy McElroy, Senior Director Sustainability, Sysco
Jolyn Rasmussen, Raw Product Development and Sustainability, JR Simplot
Laura Scandurra, Executive Director, Potato Sustainability Alliance
Ed Schneider, Partner, Schneider Farms, Washington
Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, National Potato Council

NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Eye on Potatoes host Lane Nordlund sit down to discuss the latest on COVID-19, its impact on the potato industry, the government response, and how NPC and its state partners are supporting growers in this unprecedented time.

As the federal government reviews the proposed 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), which will become the foundation for future decisions made by USDA, HHS, and other departments about which commodities can access various nutrition programs, the potato industry is working to ensure the DGA process accurately reflects the nutritional value of potatoes. Pam Miller, Administrator of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, and Beth Johnson, Principal & CEO of Food Directions, who works to navigate the food policy landscape, joined the Potato D.C. Fly-In to talk about the importance of the federal nutrition programs and place of potatoes within them.

Guests:
Pam Miller, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service
Beth Johnson, MS, RD, Principal & CEO, Food Directions LLC
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

In recognition of National Agriculture Day, NPC launched a new social media campaign called #EssentialAg to thank all of those working to keep America’s food supply safe, secure, and abundant. Plus, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) joins the podcast to discuss efforts to move forward ag workforce reform legislation during a time when the country is focused on ensuring the security of the U.S. food supply.

Famed political commentator Charlie Cook joins the podcast prior to his Potato D.C. Fly-In remarks to talk about importance of direct advocacy for membership-based organizations like NPC, and to look into his crystal ball to forecast Super Tuesday and the 2020 race for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president.

NPC President Britt Raybould and Vice President of Legislative and Governmental Affairs RJ Andrus sit down to talk about the role of growers and allied industry partners in advocating for policy priorities that could impact family farms for decades.

Finally, NPC CEO Kam Quarles looks back on a successful 2020 Potato D.C. Fly-In week that elevated the industry’s issues among decision makers on Capitol Hill and throughout the Administration.

Guests:

Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and columnist for the National Journal
NPC President Britt Raybould
NPC Vice President of Legislative and Governmental Affairs RJ Andrus
NPC CEO Kam Quarles

Ensuring the nutritional value of potatoes is scientifically documented is essential for the creation of sound food policy. At Potato Expo 2020, the industry’s leading experts on the intersection of sound science and good food policy sit down to discuss the latest efforts to advance the scientific understanding of the role potatoes play in promoting the health of all people. Plus, NPC CEO Kam Quarles provides a preview of the Potato D.C. Fly-In, where growers from across the country come together to stand up for potatoes on Capitol Hill.

Guests:

Mitch Kanter, Chief Scientific Officer, FoodMinds, Inc

Keith McGovern, CEO, R. D. Offutt Company and Chair of the Alliance for Potato Research & Education (APRE)

Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

NPC's Kam Quarles provides a D.C. update after the President's signing of the USMCA trade agreement, and an expert panel at Potato Expo 2020 takes a deep dive into the challenging issue of disharmonized international maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides, including how foreign countries’ differing standards are affecting potato trade and can hinder a grower’s choices when seeking to grow a healthy crop.

Guests: Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Rachel Lattimore, SVP & General Counsel, CropLife America
Matt Lantz, International Market Access Division Manager, Bryant Christie

The U.S. potato industry is an American agriculture export success story. Growing from $1.1 billion to $1.7 billion (54%) in exports over the past decade, one in every five rows of U.S. potatoes is now destined for foreign consumers. These tremendous gains are the product of careful trade negotiations and enforcement actions over many decades and the commitment of time and resources of the industry. This podcast brings together some of those who have been leading the way in our efforts to increase access to foreign markets, thereby improving the health and prosperity of the entire U.S. potato industry.

Since potatoes are a perishable agricultural product, the industry’s relationship with the trucking community is vital to the continued prosperity of potato growers. This podcast brings together the voices of growers and shippers to describe some of the current regulatory challenges for ag transport, agriculture’s unique demands on transportation providers, and policy efforts underway to minimize the negative impact on perishable goods.

The U.S. potato industry is proudly working with our partners on Capitol Hill to promote solutions to address American agriculture’s ongoing labor crisis that include a viable guestworker program and an opportunity for the currently improperly-documented workforce to obtain legal work status. This podcast features discussions with a New York state potato grower and the head of labor relations at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association describing the challenges faced by the ag community in finding labor, and an update on the legislative efforts currently underway in D.C.

Welcome to the Eye on Potatoes Podcast, brought to you by the National Potato Council, with host Lane Nordlund. This is the place to tune in for conversations about advocacy, production and all things potatoes. It's about talking with folks across the United States and hearing stories about how federal policy impacts potato farming and the important role the NPC plays in standing up for potatoes on Capitol Hill.