Potato producers in the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North Dakota are facing delays in securing seasonal workers through the H-2A visa program, raising concerns about potential impacts on the 2026 crop year.

Ben Sklarczyk, a third-generation Michigan grower and owner of Sklarczyk Seed Farm, was elected 2026 President of the National Potato Council. He plans to promote potatoes in nutrition programs, support fair trade, and boost grower policy engagement.

Jared Balcom, a fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Washington, has been named the 2026 Potato Person of the Year in recognition of his long-standing leadership and advocacy on behalf of the United States potato industry.

Potato Expo in Dallas brings growers, suppliers and industry leaders together. NPC CEO Kam Quarles says the event is a must-attend opportunity to reconnect the potato community, spark new ideas and help shape the future of the industry.

The National Potato Council voted to urge USTR to launch a Section 332 investigation into Canadian potato trade practices, citing decades-old restrictions in British Columbia and concerns over subsidies harming U.S. growers.

Potato Expo 2026, North America’s largest potato industry event, heads to Dallas Jan. 6–8. Featuring 180 exhibitors, 30+ sessions, and major networking, it unites the global potato supply chain to drive innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.

The National Potato Council is disappointed that the United States - Japan agreement did not include fresh market access for United States potatoes. Japan has delayed this market access request from the United States for thirty years, including delays as recently as this month.

This week, a delegation of United States potato industry leaders joined USDA officials in Tokyo to emphasize the importance of gaining fresh market access for United States potatoes.