Eye on Potatoes: A Podcast on All Things Potatoes

The Trump Administration's "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Commission report, spearheaded by Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., has ignited a major debate across the U.S. food and agriculture landscape. While the National Potato Council applauds the report's focus on a healthier America and increased fruit and vegetable consumption, certain recommendations are raising critical questions for our industry.In this episode, we're joined by NPC CEO Kam Quarles and returning guest Beth Johnson, Founder & Principal of Food Directions. We dive deep into the MAHA report, exploring its implications for food policy, the integrity of our science-based regulatory system, and the future of American family farms.Join us as we discuss:An overview of the MAHA Commission's key findings.Effective strategies for expanding access to and awareness of healthy foods.Defining "ultraprocessed foods" and distinguishing between beneficial and unhealthy food processing.The critical importance of peer-reviewed science in food and agricultural policy, and the dangers of allowing popular opinion to sway regulatory decisions.The implications of the report's criticisms of pesticides, including glyphosate, on farm practices and food safety protocols.The broader philosophical shift in the MAHA report regarding scientific consensus versus individual beliefs.How the agricultural industry and policymakers can collaborate to achieve a healthier America while safeguarding our science-based regulatory system and supporting family farms.Top priorities for a science-based and practical implementation of the MAHA report's health goals.This podcast is possible 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. 

Join us for a special episode dedicated to the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF)! Launched in January 2020 at Potato Expo, Potato LEAF is shaping the future of U.S. potato production through impactful leadership and educational programming, born from a vision to establish a long-term funding mechanism for the industry's growth.In this episode, we'll dive into the five-year history of Potato LEAF, explore how collaborative leadership has driven its success, and celebrate the incredible results of its inaugural Founders Society Campaign, which surpassed its $2 million goal even amidst the challenges of COVID-19.We're honored to host three influential voices from Potato LEAF's journey:Larry Alsum, President and CEO of Alsum Farms and Produce. As National Potato Council President in 2019, Larry provided the foundational recommendation to create Potato LEAF for leadership development and education. He'll share insights into the genesis of this vital organization and give us a peek into his Wisconsin farm, a stop on this year's Leadership Institute.Gregg Halverson, Chairman of the Board for Black Gold Farms and current Chair of Potato LEAF. Gregg will discuss the foundation's current initiatives and future direction.Mike Wenkel, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of Potato LEAF.This podcast is possible 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. 

Nathan Gonzales is Editor & Publisher of Inside Elections, which provides nonpartisan analysis of campaigns for Senate, House, governor, and president. He's also co-host of the Inside Elections Podcast and an Elections Analyst for CQ Roll Call. During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, we sat down with Nathan to talk about the political trends coming out of the 2024 elections, the latest innovations and challenges shaping the future of political campaigning, and how the political chessboard has been rearranged for 2025 and beyond. This podcast is possible 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. 

U.S. EPA has made a concerted effort over the past several years to come into compliance with its obligations under the Endangered Species Act. Much of its efforts are driven by what is referred to as the Mega Suit by environmental groups, which are forcing deadlines on EPA to meet its obligations. During Potato Expo 2025, we sat down with two policy experts to talk about what the implementation of EPA's strategy will mean for growers.Guests: Mike Aerts, Vice President of Science and Regulatory Affairs, Florida Fruit & Vegetable AssociationMike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, National Potato CouncilThis podcast is possible 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. 

During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, we caught up with Brett Jensen, the newly elected National Potato Council Vice President of Trade Affairs. We chatted with Brett about his operations in Idaho Falls, his previous chairmanships of the Idaho Potato Commission and Potatoes USA, and how his background supports his role in leading NPC's trade advocacy efforts.This podcast is possible 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. 

On April 9, President Trump announced he would pause "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of non-retaliating countries for 90 days while raising duties on China to 125%. Responding to the news, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and industry consultant Matt Lantz jumped on the podcast to discuss the rapidly changing environment around tariffs, how our industry's top export markets are reacting, and some new opportunities they are seeing for reaching new consumers throughout the world. Guests:  Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President, Global Access at Bryant Christie, Inc.Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilThis podcast is possible 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. 

During February's NPC Washington Summit, we sat down with incoming NPC President Ted Tschirky of Tschirky Farms in Pasco, Wash, who talked about his new role and the importance of growers being industry advocates from the local to federal levels. Joining Ted was Dean Gibson from Paul, Idaho, and NPC's Vice President of Legislative Affairs, who previewed some of the policy priorities that growers would be taking to their Members of Congress during their Hill visits. This podcast is possible 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.

During January's Potato Expo 2025, we sat down to talk about one of the most pressing issues impacting the agricultural community: labor. Joining the podcast for the first time was Shawn Packer, principal member of JPH Law, who brought his extensive expertise in legal frameworks shaping agricultural operations to the discussion. JPH Law is a consultant to the National Potato Council through the Agricultural Workforce Coalition on agricultural labor policy. We were also joined by Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, who spearheads NPC's ag workforce efforts.  Guests: Shawn M. Packer, Principal Member, JPH LawMike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, NPCThis podcast is possible 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. 

While a hot-button topic, the tariff issue has been a moving target. When U.S. potato growers met last week at the NPC Washington Summit, we had questions about whether tariffs would cover agricultural products or if they would be imposed at all. On Tuesday of this week, 25% tariffs were officially imposed on Canada and Mexico, but yesterday afternoon, the president announced that tariffs on both countries would be deferred for one month on all goods covered under the USMCA trade agreement, which includes fresh and processed potatoes.  With things changing by the day – or sometimes by the hour – we brought together a group of potato trade and supply chain experts to update growers on the current state of play. Guests:  Mark Klompien, President/CEO, United Potato Growers of America Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President, Global Access at Bryant Christie, Inc. Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilThis podcast is possible 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. 

During Potato Expo 2025, we sat down to talk about the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans process and the report issued late last year by the DGA Scientific Advisory Committee to understand how the final guidelines could impact the U.S. potato industry. We were joined once again by NPC CEO Kam Quarles and returning guest Beth Johnson from the company Food Directions, which has been working with NPC to ensure that accurate potato makes it into the final version of the guidelines. Guests: Beth Johnson, Founder + Principal, Food DirectionsKam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilThis podcast is possible 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. 

The Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, and it continues to be an invaluable asset to the industry. In 2024, it added its first new program to its leadership development offerings – Leadership in the Field held at the Gettysburg Battlefield. Recorded at Potato Expo 2025, we welcomed Colin Szawlowski, owner of Valley Spud LLC, and Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, to the podcast to talk about the successful programs of Potato LEAF – including the Leadership in the Field program – and the organization's impact in 2025. This podcast is possible 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. 

The opening of Mexico to fresh table stock exports has created significant benefits for U.S. producers, Mexican consumers and even Mexican growers as demand for potatoes increases. During Potato Expo 2025, we brought together four industry experts to provide valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities surrounding U.S. potato exports. The episode highlights the 25-year journey to open the Mexican market for U.S. potatoes, demonstrating the collaboration between industry leaders and government officials. • Overview of the 25-year effort to gain market access • Strategies by Potatoes USA to educate Mexican consumers • Differences in consumer preferences and purchasing power analysis • Challenges in distribution channels and traditional market dynamics • Importance of consumer sampling and education in driving demand • Ongoing phytosanitary concerns and mitigation strategies • Outlook on growth potential and market share for US potatoes in MexicoGuests:Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USAKam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilLuis Moreno, CEO, Grupo PMMatt Lantz, Senior Vice President of Global Access, Bryant Christie Inc.This podcast is possible 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. 

During Potato Expo 2025 in Orlando, Florida, we sat down with NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Randy Russell, President of The Russell Group, to reflect on the outcomes of the 2024 election and forecast how the policies being floated by the incoming Trump Administration and new Congress could impact growers in 2025 and beyond. Guests: Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council Randy Russell, President, The Russell Group This podcast is possible 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. 

With 2024 quickly coming to a close, we checked in with National Potato Council President Bob Mattive and NPC CEO Kam Quarles to look back on a busy year for agriculture policy and the organization, and look ahead at the upcoming Potato Expo and Washington Summit. Guests: Bob Mattive, 2024 NPC President and potato grower from Monte Vista, ColoradoKam Quarles, NPC CEOThis podcast is possible 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. 

Today's “bleeding edge” and “cutting edge” technologies are moving into the mainstream at a breakneck pace, and yesterday's science fiction will soon be tomorrow's science-based reality. How can potato growers and supply chain partners hope to keep up? Global futurist, best-selling author, and Potato Expo 2025 speaker Jack Uldrich called into the Eye on Potatoes Podcast to preview his keynote session on how artificial intelligence is transforming farming and agriculture, and how related advances in robotics, synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and quantum computing are all converging at this unique time in human history. Don't miss his session. Register to join us at potato-expo.com. Artificial Intelligence, Biologicals, Technology, and the Future of Farming

One week after the 2024 General Election, there's a lot we know (and even more we don't know) about the prospect for pro-potato and pro-agriculture policy efforts in 2025 and beyond. Calling into the Eye on Potatoes Podcast this week was Randy Russell, President of The Russell Group, and NPC CEO Kam Quarles to talk about the impact of rural voters in the election and what a new Trump Administration and a GOP-controlled Congress could mean for the Farm Bill, ag labor reform, trade opportunities, and other policy priorities. This podcast is possible 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.    

NPC CEO Kam Quarles and trade consultant Matt Lantz from Bryant Christie, Inc. traveled to Japan this week to advance the industry's trade priority of gaining market access for U.S. fresh potatoes. The pair called in to report on their meeting with U.S. officials at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to urge their support to gain access to the $150 million market. This podcast is possible 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.  

Research is a critical tool as we work to feed a growing population here in the U.S. and around the world. During each NPC Washington Summit, the National Potato Council, along with growers and state partners, head to Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers about the importance of funding key research programs. Joining the discussion is NPC CEO Kam Quarles and the state manager from Michigan, Kelly Turner, the Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, to talk about the importance of research and how it is helping America's potato growers produce more with less. Guests: Kam Quarles, CEO, NPCKelly Turner, Executive Director, Michigan Potato Industry CommissionThis podcast is possible 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.  

With portions of the Farm Bill starting to expire and a federal shutdown looming should Congress fail to act by Oct. 1, NPC CEO Kam Quarles called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast to talk about the big issues that need to be addressed before the general election. Also, with representatives from USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) scheduled to host plant health technical bilateral meetings with their Japanese counterparts in Idaho Falls, Kam talks about how he and others from the U.S. potato industry are pushing to finally open Japan's market for U.S. fresh potatoes. This podcast is possible 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.  

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) recently announced Sylvia (Xiuyan) Zhang, a Ph.D. student at the University of Maine, as the recipient of the organization's 2024-25 Academic Scholarship. We sat down with Sylvia to talk about her background growing up in Inner Mongolia, often referred to as the "potato capital of China," and her research, which is focused on the dynamic behavior of bacterial species that cause potato blackleg and soft rot disease, as well as the influence of potato storage conditions on pathogen infection. This podcast is possible 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. 

Japan is a significant market for U.S. processed potatoes, but as we've discussed a few times on this program, no U.S. fresh potatoes are allowed in Japan. The U.S. potato industry has been seeking approval to ship U.S. fresh potatoes into this significant market for over 20 years but the Japanese government continues to drag its heels. However, on Sept. 16, USDA and their counterparts in Japan are taking part in a bilateral meeting in Idaho Falls to discuss this issue. NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Sam Eaton Vice President of Legal & Government Affairs at the Idaho Potato Commission called in to the podcast to talk about what's happening next month and how the potato industry and their allies in Congress are keeping the pressure on both USDA and Japan. This podcast is possible 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. 

It's been a year since we last checked in on the potato wart situation in Prince Edward Island, Canada. This week, we sat down with Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, and Don Flannery, Executive Director of the Maine Potato Board, to talk about the U.S. potato industry's ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of wart to the United States. The group also talked about the release of a bipartisan letter by members of the U.S. Senate urging USDA to implement additional mitigation measures to prevent the introduction of PEI potato wart into U.S. growing areas.This podcast is possible 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. 

For this week's Eye on Potatoes Podcast, we caught up with Matt Lantz and Adam Hollowell from Bryant Christie, Inc., who are in D.C. for a meeting of the American Potato Trade Alliance. Matt and Adam talk about how APTA was created, their role with the organization, and how the alliance is helping the U.S. potato industry speak with a unified voice on trade issues. Guests: Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President of Global Access, Bryant Christie, IncAdam Hollowell, Senior Trade Policy Specialist, Bryant Christie, IncThis podcast is possible 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.  

NPC CEO Kam Quarles joined Eye on Potatoes podcast host Lane Nordlund to discuss the House version of the 2024 Farm Bill, which was passed by the House Agriculture Committee in the early hours of Friday morning, and NPC's efforts to urge Congress to finalize a bipartisan bill by the end of the year. This podcast is possible 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.  

During Potato Expo 2024, Lane Nordlund, host of the Eye on Potatoes Podcast, sat down with the leaders of three national potato organizations for a conversation on how they are working to promote the health of the U.S. potato industry and supporting growers and partners up and down the supply chain. Panelists: Mark Klompien, President and CEO, United Potato Growers of AmericaKam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilBlair Richardson, President and CEO, Potatoes USAThis podcast is possible 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.  

Just when you thought NPC's efforts to keep potatoes defined as a vegetable couldn't gain more media attention, in comes Jimmy Fallon, who provided a light-hearted overview of the issue in the opening monologue of a recent Tonight Show.  NPC CEO Kam Quarles and podcast host Lane Nordlund sat down to talk about NPC's efforts to protect potatoes in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the ongoing negotiations to open Japan's market to U.S. fresh potatoes, and if we can see a Farm Bill passed this year. This podcast is possible 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.  

The rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence is focused on building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. Companies within and outside agriculture are adapting AI to their operations to improve efficiency and productivity. During Potato Expo 2024, the Eye on Potatoes podcast welcomed one of the leaders of KUNGFU.AI, which helps clients transform themselves into AI-first companies.Guest: Ron Green, KUNGFU.AI Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer This podcast is possible 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.  

Steve Lerch is a former Google executive, a consultant, and an award-winning international speaker. He spent nearly a decade at Google designing digital strategies and marketing campaigns for well-known brands like GoPro, federal government agencies like the US Census, and respected non-profits like the YMCA. Steve has recently specialized in the food and agriculture industry, working with everyone from Avocados from Mexico to John Deer to National Beef.Steve returned to the Eye on Potatoes Podcast during Potato Expo 2024 to talk about the importance of creating digital content and the power of social media and viral videos to keep potatoes top of mind for all consumers.This podcast is possible 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.  

UPDATE: Due to scheduled construction at The Mirage Las Vegas, the National Potato Council moved the location of Potato Expo 2025 to the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 9-10, 2025.---After more than 20 years and numerous legal challenges, the Mexican market was opened to U.S. fresh potatoes in 2022. Nearly two years later, NPC, Potatoes USA, and the industry's top trade consultants at Bryant Christie, Inc. came together at Potato Expo 2024 to assess where things are, how far they need to go, and the challenges in realizing the potential of this valuable export market.Guests:Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USAMatt Lantz, Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie, Inc.Ted Tschirky, NPC VP of Trade Affairs, Potato Grower, Pasco, WashingtonKam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilThis podcast is possible 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.  

During Potato Expo 2024, National Potato Council 2023 President RJ Andrus and First Vice President Bob Mattive sat down to reflect on their time on the Executive Committee and preview some of the top policy priorities for the upcoming NPC Washington Summit, Feb. 26- March 1, 2024. RJ Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a third-generation farmer and an owner of TBR Farms located in Hamer, Idaho. He has served on the Executive Committee since 2019, in roles including Vice President of Grower Outreach and Industry Research, and as Vice President of Legislative Affairs. In addition to serving on the National Potato Council as First Vice President and Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Bob Mattive serves on several Colorado agricultural committees and boards. The 2,000-acre Worley Family Farms is run by Bob, his wife Gail (Worley), along with their sons Grant and Reid and nephew Matthew Smartt.This podcast is possible 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.  

The Farm Bill expired in September 2023, and the dysfunction in Washington, D.C. continues to threaten this essential rewrite of our nation's farm policy. Risk management, export promotion, pest and disease prevention, nutrition policy and numerous other programs that make growers competitive are tied up in political infighting. During Potato Expo 2024, Kam Quarles of National Potato Council and Tyson Redpath of The Russell Group sat down to talk about how we got here, where we might be going, and what growers can do to break the impasse on Capitol Hill.Guests: ●        Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council●        Tyson Redpath, Principal, The Russell GroupThis podcast is possible 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.  

U.S. potato production is weather-sensitive and risk associated with adverse weather can derail a well-managed operation very quickly. During Potato Expo 2024, we sat down with Andrew Pritchard, Senior Meteorologist at Nutrien, to discuss how weather over the last 70 years has impacted potato production and what weather patterns are the best and worst for growing potatoes. Andrew also discussed the different types of weather risks and previewed the weather storylines to watch for in 2024.Guest: Andrew Pritchard, Senior Meteorologist, NutrienThis podcast is possible 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.  

More Americans than ever before are firing up their grills, smokers, or flattops (sometimes all at the same time!) to make complete meals outside of their home kitchens. Ace Hardware spokesperson and grilling expert Chef Jason Morse calls in to preview his Potato Expo 2024 talk about how companies are responding to increased demand for products to help consumers mimic the viral grilling recipes they've seen on Instagram and TikTok. Guest: Chef Jason Morse, CEC, National Spokesperson, Grilling Expert, Ace Hardware This podcast is possible 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.  

Potatoes USA is at the forefront of promoting healthy lifestyles and culinary excellence with the versatile potato. Chef RJ Harvey calls in to preview the Potato Expo 2024 session that will explore how potatoes can be prepared to cater to unique needs and preferences, including “Food as Medicine” advocates, foodservice operators, home cooks, and the ever-evolving Generation Z.   Guest: Chef RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC, Culinary Director, Potatoes USA This podcast is possible 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.  

Potato growers and industry partners from around the world will descend on the Austin Convention Center, Jan. 10-11, for Potato Expo 2024, which will tap into all things Texas, with barbeque, music, culture, and a heavy dose of potatoes.Hosted annually by the National Potato Council, Potato Expo is the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry in North America, bringing together U.S. and international growers, suppliers, industry experts, and value chain partners all under one roof. Kam Quarles, NPC CEO, and Hollee Alexander, NPC VP of Industry Relations & Events, called into the Eye On Potatoes podcast to talk about the already record-breaking Potato Expo 2024 and what the international potato industry can look forward to in Austin. Learn more and register to join us at potato-expo.com. This podcast is possible 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.  

A 10-time Potato Expo attendee and frequent stage speaker, Cedric Porter, editor of World Potato Markets, called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast to discuss the state of European and global potato markets, processing trends across the world, and his love of all things potatoes.Cedric previewed his upcoming presentation for the Potato Business Summit, Jan. 10 in Austin, Texas, during which he'll discuss the remarkable post-pandemic growth in the global demand for potatoes and potato products. Follow him at @CedricP.This podcast is possible 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.  

To support the U.S. potato industry in its three-decade-old effort to open Japan's market to U.S. fresh potatoes, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Bryant Christie, Inc.'s Matt Lantz traveled to Japan in late September to offer their expertise during U.S.-Japan plant health technical meetings. Kam and Matt called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast to report on the trip and the ongoing political roadblocks erected by Japanese regulators to prevent competition with their domestic potato growers.  Although the U.S. has had market access to Japan for chipping potatoes since 2006, the U.S. is seeking market access for all fresh potatoes, including table stock potatoes. Already the second largest market for U.S. potatoes, Japan's market for U.S. fresh potato exports is estimated at $150 million to $200 million annually, once fully opened. This podcast is possible 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.  

With Rep. Kevin McCarthy out as Speaker of the House, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles calls into the Eye On Potatoes podcast to discuss how the move could impact growers, the future of the stalled FY24 Ag Appropriations Bill, and how the ag community needs to rally behind passing a bipartisan Farm Bill before the end of the year. This podcast is possible 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.  

This week we chatted about the formulation of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and how the U.S. potato industry is working to ensure that the positive facts about potato nutrition are heard by those creating the guidelines.We were joined by NPC CEO Kam Quarles who submitted testimony to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which is charged with reviewing the current body of nutrition science and developing a scientific report for HHS and USDA to consider as it writes the 2025 DGAs. We were also joined by Beth Johnson, who has spent over 25 years as a food policy expert, both inside and outside of government, including at the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Senate Agriculture Committee, and the National Restaurant Association. While at USDA, she helped lead the department's work in creating the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. She's the Founder and Principal of Food Directions, which helps organizations and companies operating in a global food policy environment. She and her team at Food Directions have been working closely with NPC to tell the positive potato story. This podcast is possible 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. 

The 2023 Potato Industry Leadership Institute brought together outstanding potato growers and industry representatives for eight days of training and professional development, starting in Buffalo, New York, traveling through Pennsylvania, and ending in Washington, D.C. at the NPC Washington Summit. The group's Grower Leader, Mike Phillips, and 2023 participant Bryan Bender sat down with Eye on Potatoes host Lane Nordlund to reflect on the training and the importance of leadership development for their operations and the greater industry.Guests: Bryan Bender, Bender Potatoes, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Mike Phillips, Walther Farms, Three Rivers, MichiganApplications for the 2024 Leadership Institute, February 21 - March 1, 2024, is now open. Visit pleaf.org for more information. This podcast is possible 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. 

As Congress takes a break for its annual August recess, NPC keeps on truckin' by keeping tabs on problematic amendments to the FY24 Ag Appropriations Bill, the latest efforts to write a new five-year Farm Bill, the ongoing threat of spreading potato wart from Canada's Prince Edward Island to U.S. farms, and more.  This podcast is possible 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. 

The National Potato Council's annual EPA-USDA Farm Tour allows federal regulators the opportunity to meet with growers face-to-face to better understand how their decisions have real-world implications on family farms. In July 2023, NPC partnered with the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) to host its annual Agency Farm Tour in Washington's Columbia Basin for USDA and EPA staff. Tour stops focused on the use of potato production technologies, including demonstrations of seed treatment, irrigation-mounted imaging cameras, drone and see-and-spray cameras, fumigation and chemigation equipment, and monitoring devices and models.The Eye on Potatoes podcast caught up with Washington state potato grower and NPC Environmental Affairs Committee Member Grant Morris, who hosted tour participants on his farm and demonstrated his operation's use of drone scouting tools to aid in his Integrated Pest Management efforts. Guests: Grant Morris, Partner at Schneider Farms, Pasco, Wash.; WSPC Commissioner; and National Potato Council Environmental Affairs Committee MemberMike Wenkel, COO, National Potato CouncilLearn more about NPC's annual agency farm tour here. This podcast is possible 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. 

Previously administered by the National Potato Council (NPC), the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) is a program of the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF), a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity focused on leadership and education opportunities for the U.S. potato industry. As the program celebrates 20 years of training future potato leaders, the Eye on Potatoes podcast brought together four graduates during Potato Expo 2023 to talk about their experiences and how PILI impacted their careers.  Guests:Dave Warsh, participant of the 2002 Class and a past president of NPCDerek Peterson, participant of the 2012 ClassTaylor Grant, participant of the 2022 ClassRJ Andrus, participant of the 2006 Class, Board Member of Potato LEAF, and 2023 NPC PresidentThe Leadership Institute is a 10-day program that provides an overview of the U.S. potato industry, the challenges and issues beyond the production sector, and the roles of the industry's state and national organizations in maintaining a positive business climate for potato growers. Learn more at pleaf.org.This podcast is possible 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. 

With NPC President RJ Andrus and Eye on Potatoes podcast host Lane Nordlund both in town for meetings, we pulled together an in-person(!) discussion on some of the most pressing policy issues facing the U.S. potato industry, including: Bipartisan efforts to open Japan's market for U.S. fresh potatoesThe impact of the Supreme Court's decision on Sackett vs. EPA on EPA's overreaching WOTUS regulationsThe Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance's advocacy efforts and recent activity on the Farm BillAnd the 2023 NPC Summer Meeting later this month in Lake Tahoe.  Guests:RJ Andrus, TBR Farms, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the 2023 President of the National Potato CouncilKam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilThis podcast is possible 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. 

During Potato Expo 2023, the Eye on Potatoes podcast brought together the National Potato Council's current, incoming, and immediate past presidents for a live recording where they offered their unique perspectives on the U.S. potato industry, the importance of grower leadership, and having strong associations at the state and national level. Guests:Jared Balcom, NPC 2022 President, Balcom & Moe, Pasco, Wash.Dominic LaJoie, NPC 2021President,  President/Owner, LaJoie Growers LLC, Van Buren, MaineRJ Andrus, NPC 2023 President, TBR Farms, Idaho Falls, IDThis podcast is possible 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. 

Regenerative Agriculture has become a new term for production agriculture, and everyone is wondering what it means. During Potato Expo 2023, leaders in the potato industry sat down with the Eye on Potatoes podcast to talk about how they are defining it and practices that can result in positive benefits to producers.Guests:Ryan Findlay, Regional Lead Business Development, Rabo Carbon BankDaniel Metheringham, Vice President of Agriculture, McCain Foods USAMike Wenkel, COO, National Potato CouncilThis podcast is possible 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. 

During Potato Expo 2023, key association CEOs throughout the U.S. potato industry came together for a live podcast recording focused on current and future opportunities for potatoes. Alison Bodor, President and CEO of the American Frozen Foods Institute, Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, and Blair Richardson, President and CEO of Potatoes USA, sat down with Eye on Potatoes podcast host Lane Nordlund to talk about how the organizations work together to strengthen partnerships, create new opportunities, and work collaboratively to improve the potato industry.Guests:Alison Bodor, President & CEO, American Frozen Food InstituteKam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilBlair Richardson, President & CEO, Potatoes USAThis podcast is possible 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. 

The full Mexican market for fresh U.S. potatoes was finally opened in the Spring of 2022, culminating a decades-long effort to tap into that massive market.  Since then, Potatoes USA has been working with its team in-country to build that market. At the same time, the National Potato Council has been working with Administration and Congressional leaders to ensure the boarder remains open for U.S. shipments.  During Potato Expo 2023, we sat down with Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer of Potatoes USA, Kam Quarles, CEO of NPC, and Matt Lantz, Vice President of Global Access at Bryant Christie Inc., to talk about the potential for Mexico for fresh potato exports, how have things been going so far, and efforts to open new markets for U.S. potatoes and potato products.  Guests: Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USAKam Quarles, CEO, NPCMatt Lantz, Vice President of Global Access, Bryant Christie Inc.This podcast is possible 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. 

Long-time NPC Washington Summit favorite Charlie Cook sat down with Eye on Potatoes host Lane Nordlund before his address to 2023 Summit attendees for a wide-ranging interview reviewing the 2022 elections, previewing 2024 and beyond, and talking about his love of America's favorite vegetable. As the founder and contributor to the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, Charlie is widely regarded as one of the nation's leading authorities on U.S. elections and political trends. Guest: Charlie Cook, Founder and Contributor to the Cook Political Report with Amy WalterThis podcast is possible 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.  

After taking the gavel as NPC's 2023 President, RJ Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho, along with VP of Legislative Affairs Dean Gibson of Paul, Idaho, sat down during the National Potato Council's 2023 Washington Summit to talk about the council's proactive policy agenda, working to advance specialty crop interests during Farm Bill negotiations, and the newly released study that revealed the industry's $100.9 billion impact on the U.S. economy.  Guests: RJ Andrus, President, National Potato CouncilDean Gibson, Vice President, Legislative AffairsThis podcast is possible 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.  

Each year as the blossoms start their bloom, U.S. potato growers descend on Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal policies that support their farms and businesses. To preview the 2023 Washington Summit (Feb. 27-March 3), NPC CEO Kam Quarles called in to talk about the issues that growers will be taking to their Members of Congress and to Administration officials, as well as the release of a groundbreaking analysis of the economic contributions of the U.S. potato industry.  Guest: Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato CouncilThis podcast is possible 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.