Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas highlights global industry momentum and policy challenges

Each year, the Potato Expo brings together growers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the country and beyond. And this year is no exception in Dallas, Texas.

Kam Quarles, CEO of National Potato Council says Potato Expo truly is a can’t-miss opportunity to reunite with the potato community, spark new ideas, and shape the future of the industry.

Kam Quarles:
 

"It is. We kick off the year every year with the Potato Expo. First time we've ever been in Dallas. We're going to have well over 2,000 attendees here. We're really excited. You've got the entire supply chain. You've got attendees from over 30 countries. You've got suppliers, buyers, growers, and everyone under the sun who is part of not just the North American potato industry, but really the potato industry around the world. So it's pretty exciting."

Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, speaks during Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, highlighting industry priorities and policy challenges.

Kam Quarles:
 

"Yeah, it was. The administration, I think, is being respectful of the situation that they’re in. They don’t have enough money to satisfy the need. They’ve really got to work with Congress. The money that they did have largely went to the program crops, the Title I commodities, which does not include specialty crops, fruits, and vegetables. We’re working with the administration as well as the leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees and appropriations committees to get a much larger package that will reflect the true need of not only the potato industry, but specialty crops and really, all of United States agriculture."

He says this is another clear example of why Farm Country needs a new Farm Bill instead of relying on outdated farm policy.

Kam Quarles:
 

"It’s incredibly important when you look back. The last Farm Bill was signed in 2018, and a lot of the writing of that began in 2016. We’re now in 2026. The world has changed a great deal in the last ten years. Instead of looking forward with our farm policy, we’re looking back a decade. That doesn’t serve potatoes, specialty crops, or United States agriculture very well. We need farm policy on agricultural research, trade, and nutrition. These are critical issues. We need policy that reflects not just today, but five and ten years into the future."

Potato Expo is hosted by the National Potato Council. NPC is proud to be the advocate for the economic well-being of United States potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues.