October 1, 2021
In This Issue:
  • Crop Losses from Disasters Included in Temporary Funding Bill – Excessive Heat and Smoke Added
  • Registration Opens for In-Person Potato Expo 2022!
  • NPC Joins States and Potatoes USA at State/National Workshop
  • Support the Potato LEAF Auction at Potato Expo
Crop Losses from Disasters Included in Temporary Funding Bill – Excessive Heat and Smoke Added

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Wednesday evening that a deal was reached between Senate Democrats and Republicans on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through December 3. After considering several amendments on the Senate Floor, the Senate voted 65-35 on Thursday to pass the continuing resolution and supplemental appropriations for Afghan refugee resettlement and disaster assistance. The House then passed the CR and supplemental funding by a 254-175 vote, which was signed into law by President Biden.

The bill contains $10 billion for agriculture disaster assistance programs and extends coverage to disasters that occurred over the last two years. Those losses originally included a wide range of disasters, including droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods and other events. Excessive heat and smoke exposure were added late in the process to address challenges that have been emerging this summer. Additionally, the bill provides $200 million to the Bureau of Reclamation for projects to address drought in the West.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-GA) applauded the disaster assistance said in a statement, “I am proud of the bipartisan work the House Agriculture Committee did with H.R. 267 to write many of the important provisions that are now contained in the ag disaster section of the CR… Inclusion of these provisions is the fastest way to get this critical assistance out the door to our producers, and it will bring more producers into the crop insurance program.”
Registration Opens for In-Person Potato Expo 2022!

Potato Expo 2022 – January 5-6 in Anaheim, California – will be an event you won’t want to miss!

Join us for countless opportunities to connect with clients and do business in the Expo Hall, learn about the latest technologies and products at the Breakout Sessions and Potato Talks, and reconnect with friends during receptions, pop-up meetings, and spontaneous run-ins. 
 
A lot of what you have come to expect from Potato Expo will be offered but things may look slightly different so we can safely attend. Check out our Health and Safety page for what can expect in Anaheim.
 
We can’t wait to see you in January, but for now, check out the schedule, book your room, and register to attend the largest potato industry gathering in North America!  
NPC Joins States and Potatoes USA at State/National Workshop

This week, the NPC staff joined the state organizations and Potatoes USA at the State/National workshop in Phoenix, Arizona. The purpose of the event is to share information among all the organizations about their specific activities and look for ways to collaborate on issues and programs benefitting the industry.

“Thanks to Potatoes USA’s staff for organizing this event and to all the participating organizations. The past 18 months have proven to all of us that working as a team can generate some huge results to benefit U.S. growers. We want to strengthen those efforts in the future, and this event helps set the stage for that work,” said Kam Quarles, NPC CEO.
Support the Potato LEAF Auction at Potato Expo

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is hosting live and silent auctions during Potato Expo 2022 to support its leadership development efforts to benefit the U.S. potato industry.

Select items will be part of the live auction held during the Potato Expo 2022 Kick-off Reception on Wednesday, January 5 in the Expo Hall from 5:30-6:30pm.

Potato LEAF is also hosing a silent auction, beginning on December 1, 2021, and closing at the conclusion of Potato Expo at 5pm PST on January 6, 2022. 
 
Potato LEAF is seeking auction items for both a live and silent auction, such as: items, services, or experiences valuing $50 or greater; and donations such as product, equipment, sporting event packages, unique experiences, vacation experiences, etc.

Items and experiences up for bid will include:
  • Four-night stay for four guests at a Grand Mayan Resort property in Mexico;
  • Five-night stay for up to nine guests at the Château La Rametière in the French countryside;
  • Apple Series 6 Aluminum Case with Solo Loop watch:
  • VIP Potato Expo 2023 experience, including round-trip transportation to Denver and a stay in a Gaylord Rockies Resort presidential suite.
  
For more information on how to donate or bid on auction items, visit pleaf.org
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