- Potato Expo Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels with Colorado Event
- Industry Raises Nearly $60,000 to Support Leadership Development
- Save the Date for Potato Expo 2024!
- NPC to EPA: Reverse Decision to Cancel PCNB
- Chair Thompson Holds First Farm Bill Hearing
- Michigan Senator Stabenow Announces Retirement
- Consumers Change Food Purchase Patterns
- USDA Hosts Ag Outlook Forum, Feb. 23–24
- Charlie Cook Returns to NPC Washington Summit
- The Packer Seeks Nominations for 2023 Potato Awards
- Applications Open for Spudwoman of the Year
- Potato LEAF Welcomes New Board Members
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Potato Expo Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels with Colorado Event
On Jan. 4-5, more than 1,800 U.S. potato growers and industry members from a dozen countries turned out for Potato Expo 2023, hosted by the National Potato Council, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado, to do business and prepare their operations for the future. Celebrating its 15th year, Potato Expo 2023 broke previous attendance records for an event hosted outside of Las Vegas, with 1,816 registered attendees and 175 exhibitors covering more than 90,000 square feet in the Aurora Exhibit Hall.
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Potato Expo Steering Committee members cut the ribbon to open Potato Expo 2023 at the entrance of the Expo Hall. Photo credit: Potato Expo and Bill Schaefer Photography | |
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“The tremendous support of our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors at this year’s event is evidence that Potato Expo is back to its pre-pandemic status as the premier gathering for the North American potato industry,” said Jared Balcom, NPC 2022 President and potato grower from Pasco, Wash. “However, the Potato Expo isn’t about numbers – it’s about experiences. And once again, we were pleased to offer the industry some new, unique opportunities to learn and grow their businesses… and have fun while doing it.”
NPC CEO Kam Quarles added that while the record-breaking attendance was due in part to attendees’ desire to meet in person post-COVID, “I applaud our NPC team for their outstanding efforts in creating a compelling and creative program for our exhibitors and growers who look forward to attending the Expo every year,” said Quarles.
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NPC CEO Kam Quarles addresses attendees during a live recording of the Eye on Potatoes Podcast during a session titled, “CEO Roundtable, Teamwork Across the Potato Industry.” The session also featured Alison Bodor, President & CEO of the American Frozen Food Institute, and Blair Richardson, President & CEO of Potatoes USA. Photo credit: Potato Expo and Bill Schaefer Photography | |
For the first time on the Expo stage, 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. Working with Yellow Potatoes donated by Bob Mattive from Hi-Land Potatoes in San Luis Valley, Colorado, and Caribou Russet Potatoes donated by Dominic LaJoie from LaJoie Farms in Van Buren, Maine, the teams were tasked with preparing a main dish as well as their “best version of mashed potatoes.” | |
After nearly 50 minutes, a split championship was announced with Team Simon and RJ winning for their spicy laksa, a Malaysian dish typically made with noodles, while Team Duff and Jason won for their flavorful mashed potato creation. The two Colorado chefs also appeared earlier on local Denver news shows promoting the Expo and sharing their unique Mashed Potato Board recipes during live in-studio and on-location cooking demonstrations. | |
“This Spud’s for You – Celebrity Chef Edition” contestants pose with commemorative Potato Expo skillets after the event. Pictured left to right: Chef RJ Harvey, Chef Simon Majumdar, Chef Duff Goldman, and Chef Jason Morse. Photo credit: Potato Expo and Bill Schaefer Photography | |
Potato Expo serves as a forum to foster collaboration between national and state potato associations, as well as the rest of the industry. Maintaining its reputation as a place to help better position the industry for the future, the Potato Expo 2023 addressed many current topics from weather trends to sustainability to new export opportunities. | |
Daniel Metheringham, Vice President of Agriculture, McCain Foods USA, speaks during a breakout session titled, “Defining Regenerative Agriculture in Potato Production.” Pictured from left to right: Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council; Ryan Findlay, Regional Lead Business Development, Rabo Carbon Bank; Daniel Metheringham; and Gerhard Bester, Sr. Director, Frito Lay. Photo credit: Potato Expo and Bill Schaefer Photography | |
The National Potato Council, the Potato Expo’s organizer, also produces the “Eye on Potatoes Podcast.” Sponsored by Syngenta, the podcast is available on a number of different platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. It provides a platform for growers throughout the country and policy makers in Washington to learn about the industry policy priorities and hear from growers and experts on the latest issues affecting the industry. Two live podcasts were recorded on Expo Stage: “CEO Roundtable, Teamwork Across the Potato Industry,” featuring the CEOs of the American Frozen Food Institute, Potatoes USA, and National Potato Council; and “View from the Top,” featuring past, current and incoming National Potato Council presidents. During the sessions, Syngenta announced it has renewed its sponsorship for the podcast through 2023. | |
With diverse industry voices all in one place, the National Potato Council conducted interviews with attendees on a wide range of compelling topics that will be shared on upcoming episodes of “Eye on Potatoes.” Photo credit: Potato Expo and Bill Schaefer Photography | |
Washington potato grower and former NPC President Randy Mullen served as the auctioneer for the Potato LEAF live auction, held on the Expo Stage. Photo credit: Potato Expo and Bill Schaefer Photography | |
Industry Raises Nearly $60,000 to Support Leadership Development
Thanks to the support of the U.S. potato industry, Potato LEAF raised nearly $60,000 during its live and silent auctions during Potato Expo 2023. The proceeds from the auctions will be used to implement the foundations’ programs including the Potato Industry Leadership Institute, $10,000 Academic Scholarship, and other programs developed by the foundation.
“We are appreciative of the industry’s support of our efforts since we launched the foundation in 2000. Between annual contributions from events like the auctions and our inaugural Founders Society campaign, the industry has contributed over $2.3 million to our cause,” stated Gregg Halverson of Black Gold Farms, the newly elected Board Chairman.
If you would like to contribute to Potato LEAF, tax-deductible donations can be made here.
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Save the Date for Potato Expo 2024!
Potato Expo is excited to return to Austin, Texas. Save the dates of January 10-11 and plan on joining us in the “Live Music Capital of the World!” Stay tuned for more information as it is available at potato-expo.com.
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NPC to EPA: Reverse Decision to Cancel PCNB
Last week the National Potato Council and 15 other potato associations submitted comments to the U.S. EPA requesting they reconsider their proposed decision to cancel the use of PCNB, sold under the tradename of Blocker, in potato production. The group also asked EPA to allow PCNB to remain registered as one of the few tools available to control specific diseases in potato.
The comments focused on the importance of PCNB’s use in the control of rhizoctonia, white mold, black dot disease, and common scab. The comments included examples, provided by growers from across the country, of how the loss of PCNB would impact their operations, specifically in the table stock and seed sectors.
A full copy of the comments can be found here.
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Chair Thompson Holds First Farm Bill Hearing
Due to the delay from the Speaker elections, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), postponed the bipartisan Congressional listening session he was planning to host last Saturday. The event has been rescheduled for today, Jan. 13 from 3-5pm ET at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Nathan Tallman of the Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc., provided comments on behalf of the potato industry. “We thank Nathan for taking time to deliver the Farm Bill priorities for the potato industry directly to Chairman Thompson. The entire industry will be working closely with him and his staff this year to get this bill to the finish line,” said Kam Quarles, NPC CEO.
The event will feature a variety of farmers, producers, agriculture educators, and more. Chairman-Elect Thompson will be accompanied by Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Austin Scott (R-GA-08), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Jim Baird (R-IN-04), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), and Member-Elect Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03).
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Michigan Senator Stabenow Announces Retirement
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced last week that she will not seek re-election and will leave the Senate at the end of her term on January 3, 2025. Sen. Stabenow was first elected to the Senate in 2000 and has held a leadership position on the Agriculture Committee since 2011, authoring the 2014 Farm Bill and co-authoring the 2018 Farm Bill, which passed with strong bipartisan support in a vote of 87-13 – the most Senate votes ever for a Farm Bill. During the 118th Congress, she will continue to lead the Agriculture Committee and work on the upcoming Farm Bill. In addition to her role on the Agriculture Committee, she is also a senior member on both the Senate Finance Committee, and the Budget Committee, as well as a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.
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Consumers Change Food Purchase Patterns
A new report from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) found that over the past three decades, consumers have shifted their food purchases away from traditional supermarkets to larger food retailers, such as national chains and nontraditional food retailers. In 1990, 80% of the share of retail food spending occurred at traditional supermarkets, by 2012 that number dropped to 62%. In 2019, supermarkets were the most common food retail venue, with 67% of retail food sales. Additionally, researchers found that food-retailing market concentration at the county level was much higher than estimates of concentration using national-level data. Food retailing markets in rural and small non-metro counties were also considerably more concentrated than food retailing markets in metro and large nonmetro counties. The full report can be found here.
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USDA Hosts Ag Outlook Forum, Feb. 23–24
The Agricultural Outlook Forum is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) oldest and largest annual event, currently in its 99th year. The two-day event is one of the agricultural sector’s premiere events. Each year, the Forum attracts participants from the government, private sector, stakeholder associations, producers, academia, and the media.
- Join USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer as he unveils USDA’s initial forecast for the agricultural economy, commodity markets, and trade in 2023 and discuss U.S. farm income situation.
- Hear the latest on supply chain challenges and the outlook for the global freight market.
- Listen to experts discuss agricultural commodity market outlooks, climate-smart agriculture, biotechnology and more.
- Participate in Q&A with leading authorities in agriculture (virtual and in-person).
Learn more and register here.
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Charlie Cook Returns to NPC Washington Summit
With the 118th Congress freshly installed, NPC is pleased to host Charlie Cook – widely considered one of the nation's most respected and impartial analyst of American politics, elections and political trends – for its 2023 Washington Summit Keynote Lunch on Wed., March 1.
As the editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and columnist for the National Journal, Charlie is the go-to-source for Americans who want to be "in the know" about politics. With his encyclopedic knowledge, memorable stories, quick wit and meaningful insights, Charlie will provide an overview of the political climate you won't want to miss.
Learn more and register here.
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The Packer Seeks Nominations for 2023 Potato Awards
It is again time to honor a well-deserving member of the potato growing community by nominating them for Potato Person of the Year or the Potato Person for All Seasons award. The awards, sponsored by The Packer in conjunction with the National Potato Council, will be presented at the 2023 NPC Washington Summit awards banquet on Feb. 27, 2023.
Potato Person of the Year recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty during 2022 to further the potato industry. Award winners have devoted a significant amount of time promoting potatoes to consumers and representing the industry on trade missions and in front of regulatory agencies.
Potato Person for All Seasons is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes individuals who have given freely of their time and energy to improve the well-being of the potato industry.
Send nominations, with explanations of why the nominee is a worthy candidate, to Jennifer Strailey, editorial director of The Packer, at jstrailey@thepacker.com or news@thepacker.com. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 1.
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Applications Open for Spudwoman of the Year
The Spudwoman of the Year Award recognizes a potato industry leader who is making an impact in the industry. The winner will be featured in Spudman magazine’s May/June issue. Nominations are welcomed from all segments of the industry, including growers, shippers, researchers and marketers. The award will be presented at an upcoming event in summer 2023.
Click here for more information. The deadline to submit nominations is March 10, 2023.
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Potato LEAF Welcomes New Board Members
During the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation’s Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with Potato Expo 2023, Wendy Alsum-Dykstra and Brett Jensen were elected to three-year terms replacing Dan Moss (Rupert, Idaho) and Dick Pavelski (Hanover, Wisc.) who have served since the foundation was started in 2000.
Wendy Alsum-Dykstra is the Chief Operating Officer of Alsum Farms and Produce in Friesland, Wisconsin, an integrated group of companies involved in the growing, packaging, marketing, and distribution of potatoes and a full line of fresh fruits and vegetables. Wendy currently services on the Executive Committee of Potatoes USA and the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association. She is a 2019 graduate of the Potato Industry Leadership Institute.
Brett Jensen of Idaho Falls, Idaho, is the owner of Brett Jensen Farms and a third-generation farmer. He has served as the chairman of the Idaho Potato Commission and Potatoes USA, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Potato Council.
Board Chairman Gregg Halverson said, “We are excited to have Wendy and Brett join the Potato LEAF Board of Directors and look forward to bringing their perspectives and insight to our discussions on ensuring we are meeting the leadership development needs of the U.S. potato industry. We also appreciate the leadership and involvement of both Dan and Dick who have played critical roles in the foundation’s success since our founding.”
During the reorganization of the Board of Directors, Gregg Halverson Grand Forks, ND, was elected as chairman of the board, replacing Shelley Olsen of Othello, Wash., who has served as the chairman for three years. They also elected RJ Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho, as Vice Chairman, replacing Dan Moss.
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