In this recording from Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Matt Lantz of Bryant Christie Inc. dive into the high-stakes world of international potato trade. The group discusses the industry’s formal request for a Section 332 fact-finding investigation to address concerns regarding British Columbia’s efforts over 40 years to limit exports of potatoes to that province, along with concerns over other Canadian policies that may unfairly distort trade. They also explore how the industry is using trade leverage to decrease friction and expand the global footprint of U.S. potatoes in Asia, Mexico, and around the world.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this recording from Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Matt Lantz of Bryant Christie Inc. dive into the high-stakes world of international potato trade. The group discusses the industry’s formal request for a Section 332 fact-finding investigation to address concerns regarding British Columbia’s efforts over 40 years to limit exports of potatoes to that province, along with concerns over other Canadian policies that may unfairly distort trade. They also explore how the industry is using trade leverage to decrease friction and expand the global footprint of U.S. potatoes in Asia, Mexico, and around the world. &lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this recording from Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Matt Lantz of Bryant Christie Inc. dive into the high-stakes world of international potato trade. The group discusses the industry’s formal request for a Section 332 fact-finding investigation to address concerns regarding British Columbia’s efforts over 40 years to limit exports of potatoes to that province, along with concerns over other Canadian policies that may unfairly distort trade. They also...

Navigating U.S. Potato Trade Opportunities in 2026

Recorded live at Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Host Lane Nordlund sits down with some of the nation&apos;s leading agriculture advocates to examine the state of agricultural labor in the U.S. and discuss the pressing need for a stable and secure workforce. The panel explores efforts by the Agriculture Workforce Coalition to drive legislative and regulatory reforms. They address the complex intersection of border security, legal status for the existing workforce, and necessary updates to the H-2A guest worker program. The group also outlines current regulatory hurdles and how potato growers can engage with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to amplify the industry’s voice.Guests:<ul><li>Jonathan Sarager, Senior Federal Government Affairs Director, Western Growers  </li><li>John Walt Boatright, Director, Government Affairs, American Farm Bureau Federation </li><li>Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council </li></ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Recorded live at Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, Texas.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Host Lane Nordlund sits down with some of the nation&amp;apos;s leading agriculture advocates to examine the state of agricultural labor in the U.S. and discuss the pressing need for a stable and secure workforce.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The panel explores efforts by the Agriculture Workforce Coalition to drive legislative and regulatory reforms. They address the complex intersection of border security, legal status for the existing workforce, and necessary updates to the H-2A guest worker program. The group also outlines current regulatory hurdles and how potato growers can engage with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to amplify the industry’s voice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Guests:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Jonathan Sarager&lt;/b&gt;, Senior Federal Government Affairs Director, Western Growers  &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;John Walt Boatright&lt;/b&gt;, Director, Government Affairs, American Farm Bureau Federation &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Mike Wenkel&lt;/b&gt;, COO, National Potato Council &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</description>

Recorded live at Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, Texas.  Host Lane Nordlund sits down with some of the nation's leading agriculture advocates to examine the state of agricultural labor in the U.S. and discuss the pressing need for a stable and secure workforce.  The panel explores efforts by the Agriculture Workforce Coalition to drive legislative and regulatory reforms. They address the complex intersection of border security, legal status for the existing workforce, and necessary updates to the...

Advocating for a Stable and Secure Farm Workforce

This morning, the Trump Administration released the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, marking a significant development for U.S. potato growers. In this episode of the Eye on Potatoes podcast, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Beth Johnson of Food Directions break down the release and what it means for the industry.They discuss the encouraging new consumer graphic that features a whole, fresh potato front and center, identifying it as a nutrient-rich vegetable that Americans should eat in greater volumes. They also analyze how specific recommendations regarding processed potato products integrate with this broader guidance.Tune in to hear how these new guidelines represent a major shift from the federal policy challenges of the past—specifically the efforts to remove potatoes from school meal programs during the Obama Administration—to today&apos;s recognition of America&apos;s favorite vegetable.

<description>&lt;p&gt;This morning, the Trump Administration released the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, marking a significant development for U.S. potato growers. In this episode of the &lt;em&gt;Eye on Potatoes&lt;/em&gt; podcast, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Beth Johnson of Food Directions break down the release and what it means for the industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They discuss the encouraging new consumer graphic that features a whole, fresh potato front and center, identifying it as a nutrient-rich vegetable that Americans should eat in greater volumes. They also analyze how specific recommendations regarding processed potato products integrate with this broader guidance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tune in to hear how these new guidelines represent a major shift from the federal policy challenges of the past—specifically the efforts to remove potatoes from school meal programs during the Obama Administration—to today&amp;apos;s recognition of America&amp;apos;s favorite vegetable.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

This morning, the Trump Administration released the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, marking a significant development for U.S. potato growers. In this episode of the Eye on Potatoes podcast, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Beth Johnson of Food Directions break down the release and what it means for the industry. They discuss the encouraging new consumer graphic that features a whole, fresh potato front and center, identifying it as a nutrient-rich vegetable that Americans sh...

Instant Update: NPC Reacts to New Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Get ready to head to the heart of Texas for the potato industry’s premier event! In this episode, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Vice President of Industry Relations &amp; Events Hollee Alexander sit down to preview <a href='https://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/potato-expo/'>Potato Expo 2026</a>, taking place Jan. 6-8, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas.As the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry, Potato Expo 2026 offers a can’t-miss opportunity to reunite with the potato community, spark new ideas, and shape the future of the industry. Kam and Hollee discuss what attendees can expect from their trip to Dallas, from unparalleled networking with growers and suppliers to the latest innovations on the trade show floor.Learn more at <a href='https://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/potato-expo/'>potato-expo.com</a>.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Get ready to head to the heart of Texas for the potato industry’s premier event! In this episode, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Vice President of Industry Relations &amp;amp; Events Hollee Alexander sit down to preview &lt;a href='https://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/potato-expo/'&gt;Potato Expo 2026&lt;/a&gt;, taking place Jan. 6-8, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry, Potato Expo 2026 offers a can’t-miss opportunity to reunite with the potato community, spark new ideas, and shape the future of the industry. Kam and Hollee discuss what attendees can expect from their trip to Dallas, from unparalleled networking with growers and suppliers to the latest innovations on the trade show floor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more at &lt;a href='https://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/potato-expo/'&gt;potato-expo.com&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;</description>

Get ready to head to the heart of Texas for the potato industry’s premier event! In this episode, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Vice President of Industry Relations &amp; Events Hollee Alexander sit down to preview Potato Expo 2026, taking place Jan. 6-8, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas. As the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry, Potato Expo 2026 offers a can’t-miss opportunity to reunite with the potato community, spark new ideas, and shape the future of the industry. K...

Deep in the Heart of Texas: Previewing Potato Expo 2026

On Monday, Dec. 8, the Trump Administration announced a new economic aid package for U.S. farmers that provided little meaningful relief for specialty crop growers. In this D.C. update, NPC CEO Kam Quarles joins us to discuss the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance&apos;s (SCFBA) reaction to the disappointing news.Quarles explains why the package&apos;s primary focus on crop producers impacted by tariffs ignores the full scope of the economic crisis facing growers of potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops. He shares the SCFBA&apos;s stance on the package and urges the Administration and Congress to move beyond this limited proposal by taking swift action to advance a much larger, meaningful assistance package for all impacted farmers.

<description>&lt;p&gt;On Monday, Dec. 8, the Trump Administration announced a new economic aid package for U.S. farmers that provided little meaningful relief for specialty crop growers. In this D.C. update, NPC CEO Kam Quarles joins us to discuss the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance&amp;apos;s (SCFBA) reaction to the disappointing news.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Quarles explains why the package&amp;apos;s primary focus on crop producers impacted by tariffs ignores the full scope of the economic crisis facing growers of potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops. He shares the SCFBA&amp;apos;s stance on the package and urges the Administration and Congress to move beyond this limited proposal by taking swift action to advance a much larger, meaningful assistance package for all impacted farmers. &lt;/p&gt;</description>

On Monday, Dec. 8, the Trump Administration announced a new economic aid package for U.S. farmers that provided little meaningful relief for specialty crop growers. In this D.C. update, NPC CEO Kam Quarles joins us to discuss the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance's (SCFBA) reaction to the disappointing news. Quarles explains why the package's primary focus on crop producers impacted by tariffs ignores the full scope of the economic crisis facing growers of potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and ot...

D.C. Update: Specialty Crop Growers Disapointed with Farm Aid Package

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is brought to you by the National Potato Council. This is the place to tune in for conversations with growers and thought leaders on advocacy, production and all things potatoes. It's about talking with folks across the United States and hearing stories about how federal policy impacts potato farming and the important role the NPC plays in standing up for potatoes on Capitol Hill. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

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