Home>Articles by: Mark Szymanski

Author: Mark Szymanski

NPC Welcomes USDA’s Expanded Coronavirus Financial Assistance Program, CFAP 2

NPC welcomes USDA’s new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2), which will provide an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs due to the government-imposed food service disruptions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NPC welcomes USDA’s new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2), which will provide an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs due to the government-imposed food service disruptions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NPC Opposes Bill to Drastically Rewrite Pesticide Regulations

NPC and state potato organization this week signed onto a letter sent to members of Congress opposing recently introduced legislation by Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) that would drastically amend FIFRA, the nation’s pesticide regulatory statute.

NPC and state potato organization this week signed onto a letter sent to members of Congress opposing recently introduced legislation by Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) that would drastically amend FIFRA, the nation’s pesticide regulatory statute.

NPC Calls on Congress to Restore PPP’s Tax-free Loan Forgiveness

On Friday, Sept. 4, NPC joined 171 business organizations in calling on Congress to reaffirm its original intent of loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to be tax-free.

On Friday, Sept. 4, NPC joined 171 business organizations in calling on Congress to reaffirm its original intent of loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to be tax-free.

Potato LEAF Awards Texas A&M’s Jeewan Pandey its 2020-21 Research Scholarship

Potato LEAF announce Jeewan Pandey, a third-year graduate student Texas A&M University’s Department of Horticultural Sciences, as the recipient of its 2020-21 Academic Scholarship.

Potato LEAF announce Jeewan Pandey, a third-year graduate student Texas A&M University’s Department of Horticultural Sciences, as the recipient of its 2020-21 Academic Scholarship.

NPC Raises Concerns Over DOL Decisions that May Impact the Viability of H-2A

On Thurs. Sept. 3, NPC and the members of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition wrote to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Scalia requesting a review of the department’s recent decisions and policy interpretations that limit the viability of the H-2A program.

On Thurs. Sept. 3, NPC and the members of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition wrote to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Scalia requesting a review of the department’s recent decisions and policy interpretations that limit the viability of the H-2A program.

Administration Unveils Plan to Address Mexican Produce Dumping Concerns

On Tues., Sept. 1, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Department of Commerce, and USDA released a report detailing the Trump Administration’s plan to address concerns over Mexican exports of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to the United States.

On Tues., Sept. 1, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Department of Commerce, and USDA released a report detailing the Trump Administration’s plan to address concerns over Mexican exports of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to the United States.

USDA/ARS Issues State Partnership Progress Report

This week, USDA/ARS issued its annual progress report for the 20 projects funded by the State Partnership Potato Research Program during FY19 (Oct. 2018-Sept. 2019).

This week, USDA/ARS issued its annual progress report for the 20 projects funded by the State Partnership Potato Research Program during FY19 (Oct. 2018-Sept. 2019).

NPC Calls on USDA to Include Revenue Model for Next Version of CFAP

As co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, NPC joined United Fresh, Western Growers, and the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association on a letter sent Aug. 25 to USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey calling for additional enhancements to the department’s COVID relief programs.

As co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, NPC joined United Fresh, Western Growers, and the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association on a letter sent Aug. 25 to USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey calling for additional enhancements to the department’s COVID relief programs.

Senate Allies Urge Full Access for U.S. Fresh Potatoes to Mexico, Citing New Authority in USMCA

Seeing an opening to address the U.S. potato industry’s ongoing dispute with Mexico, on Aug. 18, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and James Risch (R-Idaho) issued letters to USDA Secretary Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Lighthizer urging them to increase pressure on Mexico for more access to U.S. fresh potatoes.

Seeing an opening to address the U.S. potato industry’s ongoing dispute with Mexico, on Aug. 18, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and James Risch (R-Idaho) issued letters to USDA Secretary Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Lighthizer urging them to increase pressure on Mexico for more access to U.S. fresh potatoes.

NPC Calls for 2020-2025 DGAs to Recognize Nutritional Benefits of Potatoes

On Tues., Aug. 11, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles testified before the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) during the final public meeting as the Agencies draft the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs).

On Tues., Aug. 11, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles testified before the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) during the final public meeting as the Agencies draft the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs).