Home>Articles by: Mark Szymanski

Author: Mark Szymanski

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).

NPC Hosts Virtual Agency Tour

More than 160 participants joined NPC’s virtual Agency Tour, gaining a better understanding of the pest challenges faced by potato growers across the nation in growing and delivering potatoes to market.

More than 160 participants joined NPC’s virtual Agency Tour, gaining a better understanding of the pest challenges faced by potato growers across the nation in growing and delivering potatoes to market.

U.S. Potato Industry Calls for Tariffs on EU Frozen Fries

The U.S. potato industry recommended tariffs to be applied by the U.S. as retaliation in the ongoing dispute with the European Union over subsidies provided to Airbus that violate World Trade Organization rules.

The U.S. potato industry recommended tariffs to be applied by the U.S. as retaliation in the ongoing dispute with the European Union over subsidies provided to Airbus that violate World Trade Organization rules.

NPC Welcomes Revised USDA Coronavirus Aid Payment Rates, Presses for Additional Increase to at Least $0.04 Per Pound

The National Potato Council welcomed USDA’s announcement that it is issuing revised payment rates for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which previously prevented potato growers from receiving equitable access to relief funds.

The National Potato Council welcomed USDA’s announcement that it is issuing revised payment rates for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which previously prevented potato growers from receiving equitable access to relief funds.

School Breakfast Access for Potatoes and NIFA Funding Maintained in House Ag Appropriations Bill

On Thursday, July 9, the House Appropriations Committee favorably reported out the FY21 House Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA appropriations bill, which provides $23.98 billion in total discretionary funding, an increase of $487 million above the FY20 enacted level.

On Thursday, July 9, the House Appropriations Committee favorably reported out the FY21 House Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA appropriations bill, which provides $23.98 billion in total discretionary funding, an increase of $487 million above the FY20 enacted level.