2026 NPC Washington Summit

The 2026 NPC Washington Summit will take place February 23–26, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Organized by the National Potato Council (NPC), this annual event is the premier advocacy gathering for the U.S. potato industry, bringing growers, industry leaders, and partners together in the nation’s capital to engage directly with policymakers and influence federal decisions that impact potato production, trade, nutrition, and sustainability.

The primary purpose of the Washington Summit is to advance the policy priorities of the U.S. potato industry. Under the theme of standing up for potatoes on Capitol Hill, attendees work collectively to communicate how federal legislation, regulations, and programs affect growers and the broader agricultural supply chain. The summit serves as a unified platform for industry voices to shape discussions around agriculture policy, research funding, nutrition programs, labor, tax policy, and international trade. 

A central component of the summit is direct engagement with lawmakers and federal agencies. Participants meet with members of Congress, congressional staff, and key officials to advocate for policies that support specialty crops and rural economies. These meetings allow growers to share firsthand experiences from their operations, providing real-world context to policy debates and reinforcing the importance of potatoes within the U.S. food system. 

The event also features policy briefings, educational sessions, and expert insights designed to prepare attendees for effective advocacy. In 2026, the summit includes a keynote address from a nationally recognized political analyst, offering perspective on the current political environment and how upcoming legislative dynamics may influence agriculture and food policy. These sessions help participants understand the broader context in which decisions are made on Capitol Hill. 

In addition to advocacy, the Washington Summit hosts the National Potato Council’s annual meetings and leadership activities. This includes updates on NPC initiatives, discussion of strategic priorities, and engagement among grower leaders from across the country. These internal sessions strengthen coordination within the industry and help align national advocacy efforts. 

Networking is another key benefit of the summit. Growers, state association representatives, policy professionals, and allied agribusiness partners have opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on shared challenges. The event fosters a sense of unity and reinforces a collective commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of the potato industry. 

Overall, the 2026 NPC Washington Summit plays a vital role in ensuring that the voice of America’s potato growers is heard at the federal level. By combining advocacy, education, leadership development, and relationship-building, the summit helps shape policies that support a strong, competitive, and sustainable future for the U.S. potato in