This week, U.S. potato growers and allied partners from across the country united as an industry to fulfill NPC’s mission of “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.” The 2025 Washington Summit, Feb. 24-28, provided a forum for potato industry members to discuss, define, and advocate for the policy priorities impacting their businesses and protecting their ability to farm.
“It was outstanding to see all of the growers from across the country here this week. The high-level Administration officials and Congressional leaders who met with them reflected the value of the industry and the importance of the issues we are working on with them,” said Kam Quarles, NPC CEO
To kick off the week, members of the 2024-25 Executive Committee visited the White House to meet with Trump Administration officials on the industry’s priorities. Trade opportunities with Japan and other countries, the importance of research funding, and preventing the spread of PEI potato wart to U.S. growing areas were presented to officials representing USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The 2024-25 NPC Executive Committee pictured in front of the Old Executive Office Building on the White House grounds. From left to right: Ted Tschirky, Chris Olsen, Ben Sklarczyk, Brett Jensen, Dean Gibson, RJ Andrus, TJ Hall, Bob Mattive, and Kam Quarles.
During the Annual Meeting of the Voting Delegates and Awards Dinner, 2024 President Bob Mattive officially passed the gavel to newly elected President Ted Tschirky. Additionally, Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, presented Gregg Halverson of Grand Forks, N.D.-based Black Gold Farms, with its 2025 Potato Person of the Year award. Full story here.
Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, presented Gregg Halverson with the 2025 Potato Person of the Year award at the National Potato Council’s 2025 Washington Summit.
On Wednesday, attendees were provided insight into Executive Branch developments by Brian Klippenstein (pictured below), who is leading the USDA Transition Team on behalf of the Trump Administration.
The group was also updated on the latest nutrition policy developments by Jennifer Tiller, Chief of Staff to USDA’s Deputy Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, and Katherine Thomas, Senior Professional Staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry.
Tiller (left) joined Thomas (right) for a panel on nutrition policy, moderated by Beth Johnson, Founder and Principal Partner, Food Directions, LLC.
On Wednesday afternoon, attendees traveled to Capitol Hill to hear from Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.). NPC also hosted the Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill Reception, attended by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Representative Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), where they were addressed by House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson Jr. (R-Pa.)
Throughout the day on Thursday, attendees took to Capitol Hill to meet with dozens of Members and staff to advocate for the industry’s policy priorities. The photo album of the week can be found here.
