Japan Meetings Focused on United States Fresh Potato Market Access

This week, a delegation of United States potato industry leaders joined USDA officials in Tokyo to emphasize the importance of gaining fresh market access for United States potatoes. The team included NPC CEO Kam Quarles, Jared Balcom (past president of NPC and member of USDA’s Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee), Blair Richardson (President and CEO of Potatoes USA), and Matt Lantz of Bryant Christie, Inc.

Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council:

"Gaining fresh access to Japan would result in USD 150 million a year in new potato exports. If the President can use the leverage he has created with Japan to finally deliver this new market, the impact for American growers would be tremendous."

Due to the government shutdown, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins canceled her participation at the last minute. USDA Undersecretary for Trade Luke Lindberg led the U.S. delegation in her absence.

Kam Quarles:

"We have the opportunity to finally conclude a landmark deal for USD 150 million a year in new U.S. fresh potato exports to Japan. It is very unfortunate that the government shutdown impacted those negotiations and highlights its real-world negative impact on U.S. family farms."

USDA Undersecretary for Trade Luke Lindberg along with the U.S. potato industry delegation and other cooperators in the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.