Home>Articles by: Mark Szymanski

Author: Mark Szymanski

Final Hours of Service Rule Published

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) this week published a final rule updating hours of service (HOS) rules designed to increase safety on America’s roadways by updating existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) this week published a final rule updating hours of service (HOS) rules designed to increase safety on America’s roadways by updating existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Movement of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms Rule

USDA’s Movement of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms regulation amends regulations regarding the movement (importation, interstate movement, and environmental release) of certain genetically engineered organisms in response to advances in genetic engineering.

USDA’s Movement of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms regulation amends regulations regarding the movement (importation, interstate movement, and environmental release) of certain genetically engineered organisms in response to advances in genetic engineering.

Potato, Specialty Crop Industries Tout COVID-19 Employee Safety Protocols

NPC and potato organizations from across the country joined a national coalition of specialty crop producers on a letter to Congress highlighting the extraordinary measures agricultural employers are taking to protect their workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NPC and potato organizations from across the country joined a national coalition of specialty crop producers on a letter to Congress highlighting the extraordinary measures agricultural employers are taking to protect their workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potato Industry Welcomes $50 Million USDA Purchase for Potatoes

The National Potato Council welcomed USDA’s announcement of a $50 million surplus potato purchase to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Potato Council welcomed USDA’s announcement of a $50 million surplus potato purchase to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Produce Groups Seek Equal Access to Paycheck Protection Program

NPC joined 37 agriculture groups this week on a letter to Congress requesting adjustments to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to make it easier for specialty crop growers to access relief.

NPC joined 37 agriculture groups this week on a letter to Congress requesting adjustments to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to make it easier for specialty crop growers to access relief.

Idaho Delegation Calls for Reduced Bureaucracy to Support CARES Act Grower Eligibility

To ensure that USDA’s implementation of the CARES Act reflects local production practices, the Idaho Congressional delegation wrote Secretary Perdue this week calling for the Department to utilize a method for direct payment eligibility supported by the potato industry.

To ensure that USDA’s implementation of the CARES Act reflects local production practices, the Idaho Congressional delegation wrote Secretary Perdue this week calling for the Department to utilize a method for direct payment eligibility supported by the potato industry.

NPC Cautions USDA Against Potential Potato Import Surges

In a letter sent this week to USDA Undersecretary for Trade Ted McKinney, NPC cautioned that the growing international stocks of fresh and processed potatoes could trigger “irrational surges in imports of these products as foreign interests search for scarce customers.”

In a letter sent this week to USDA Undersecretary for Trade Ted McKinney, NPC cautioned that the growing international stocks of fresh and processed potatoes could trigger “irrational surges in imports of these products as foreign interests search for scarce customers.”

Specialty Crop Orgs Urge USDA to Provide Relief Under Stimulus Bill

On Monday, NPC joined 74 specialty crop organizations on a letter to Secretary Perdue recommending strong relief measures under the Phase 3 Stimulus Bill dedicated to the fruit and vegetable industry.

On Monday, NPC joined 74 specialty crop organizations on a letter to Secretary Perdue recommending strong relief measures under the Phase 3 Stimulus Bill dedicated to the fruit and vegetable industry.

NPC Recognizes $19B in COVID-19 Ag Relief as Down Payment With More Needed for Potato Industry’s Recovery

Announcement is a down payment on those efforts that will require additional resources and flexibility to deliver the necessary relief for our great potato industry.

Announcement is a down payment on those efforts that will require additional resources and flexibility to deliver the necessary relief for our great potato industry.

CDC Eases Rules for Essential Workers Returning to Work

The Trump Administration issued new guidelines Wednesday to make it easier for asymptomatic essential workers to return to work. CEC Director Dr. Robert Redfield announced that under certain circumstances essential […]