WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are scheduled to host plant health technical bilateral meetings with their Japanese counterparts in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Sept. 17-19, to continue mission-critical work on phytosanitary topics. National Potato Council (NPC) CEO Kam Quarles and others from the U.S. potato industry will attend …
NPC Encourages Support for Potato Exports Into Japan During Prime Minister Visit
By Clint Thompson President Biden’s visit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida should lead to talks for the export of U.S. fresh potatoes into Japan, believes the National Potato Council (NPC). NPC CEO Kam Quarles hopes the Biden administration will capitalize on this opportunity to spark conversations about loosening the restrictions the country has established on potato imports. “We’ve been …
National Potato Council Releases New Report on Economic Potential of U.S. Potato Exports
WASHINGTON – The National Potato Council (NPC) revealed its latest report on the economic impact of the U.S. potato industry. The report assessed the economic contribution of U.S. potato and potato product exports and analyzed the role that expanded trade opportunities would have on U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and jobs. “The Current and Potential Impact of Expanded Potato Exports,” …
Bayer Announces Luna® Pro Fungicide
Luna® Pro fungicide, a premium premix fungicide that provides control of foliar and soilborne diseases in potatoes, is the latest release from Bayer. It utilizes prothioconazole, a DMI (DeMethylation Inhibitors) foliar fungicide, and fluopyram, an SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) fungicide. The combination of the two proven active ingredients offers a defense against early blight, white mold and other key potato …
Potato Production, Price Update
Potato production was down in 2022 as planted acres and yield production dropped, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report. Production is down 3% from last year due mostly to a decrease of 2% in planted acres. It is the first time that annual potato production has declined five straight years since 1866. …
UF/IFAS Research: Phosphorous Rate Change for Potato Producers
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Plant Nutrient Oversight Committee has implemented a provisional change to the UF/IFAS phosphorous fertilizer recommendation rate for the upcoming potato season. The change was based on recent research and states that regardless of soil test phosphorous value, commercial producers may apply phosphorous fertilizer to a maximum recommended rate of …
Syngenta Product: Archive Last Line of Defense for Potato Producers
Clint Thompson A fungicide product from Syngenta provides potato growers a last line of defense before their crop is placed into storage. Since potatoes are susceptible to diseases, especially as they can be stored up to nine months, farmers would benefit from Archive. It provides farmers an extra layer of protection right after harvest and before storage, said Chris Clemens, …
Nematode Control in Potatoes
By Clint Thompson Potato producers need to be diligent in applying nematicides. Nematode control is essential every year, especially for farmers in Northeast Florida, says Zane Grabau, assistant professor of nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “The main thing is you can’t take a year off from applying a nematicide. If you do, …
Potato Production: Demand is Greater Than Supply
By Clint Thompson Demand for potatoes is high, while supply remains low. That could be good news for Florida producers hoping to take advantage this spring, said John Toaspern, chief marketing officer for Potatoes USA. “(Florida’s) just coming into the market right now. They’re coming into a strong market for table-stock potatoes. Reds and other potatoes coming out of there …
Tri-County Growers Gather for Hastings Field Day
By Frank Giles Faculty and staff of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hastings Agricultural Extension Center were excited to host growers for their 2022 spring field day in April. The event had been on hiatus the past two years due to COVID-19. Much of the tour focused on potato production, which is a significant …