Eye on Potatoes: A Podcast on All Things Potatoes

D.C. Update: Specialty Crop Growers Disapointed with Farm Aid Package

On Monday, Dec. 8, the Trump Administration announced a new economic aid package for U.S. farmers that provided little meaningful relief for specialty crop growers. In this D.C. update, NPC CEO Kam Quarles joins us to discuss the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance's (SCFBA) reaction to the disappointing news. Quarles explains why the package's primary focus on crop producers impacted by tariffs ignores the full scope of the economic crisis facing growers of potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops. He shares the SCFBA's stance on the package and urges the Administration and Congress to move beyond this limited proposal by taking swift action to advance a much larger, meaningful assistance package for all impacted farmers.

Back in Session: Congressional Priorities and Regulatory Updates

With the federal government back up and running, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and COO Mike Wenkel called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast this week to discuss the National Potato Council's top priorities for the next two months and provide updates on key labor and environmental regulatory efforts.  Join us as we take a deep dive into: Congressional priorities now that the government is reopened; key recommendations of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance for the new Farm Bill; the outlook and critical deadlines for emergency relief programs for growers; and top legislative and appropriations priorities, including securing funding for research and market development. Mike will also provide updates on the regulatory environment, covering: the potential impacts of the Department of Labor's new two-level wage structure for the H-2A program; and the benefits of the new EPA WOTUS proposal, specifically the clarity on excluding certain ditches.

Federal Shutdown Week 2: Trade Fallout, Japan Access, and Emergency Aid

Guests: * Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council * Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie The federal government shutdown is hitting U.S. potato growers where it hurts: market access and emergency relief. Tune in as NPC CEO Kam Quarles and global trade expert Matt Lantz break down the real-world costs of the continued lapse in funding. This week, we dive deep into major concerns for the industry: The Disrupted Japan Mission: Kam and Matt recently returned from a trade visit to Japan that was intended to move forward the long-awaited fresh potato access deal. They reveal how the shutdown, specifically the cancellation of the USDA Secretary's participation, impacted the negotiations in Tokyo as well as this week's bilateral meeting in Wenatchee, Wash. The Fight for Grower Relief: Kam provides an update on the Trump Administration’s planned emergency aid package, initially prompted by challenges facing soybean farmers. He details the efforts of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance to ensure that potato growers are included in any aid package and to secure a mechanism that effectively delivers relief to specialty crop growers.

D.C. Update: Reflections on 9/11 and the Potential Government Shutdown

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles joins the podcast on September 11 to reflect on his experiences from 24 years ago and discuss the current state of affairs in Washington, D.C. He and host Lane Nordlund address the pending government shutdown, the implications of the "Make America Healthy Again" report, the possibilities for another round of economic relief, and the importance of passing a Farm Bill. Kam also highlights how the Trump Administration's tariff talks could lead to new opportunities for U.S. potato growers in markets like Japan.

Revisiting the Impact of the 2025 Leadership Institute

During the NPC Washington Summit in February, potato growers Alexandria Bare (Minn.) and Ryan Christensen (Idaho) joined us to discuss their experience in the 2025 Leadership Institute. This episode details the 2025 class's visit to Wisconsin, what they learned during the communication and media training courses, and how they will apply the Leadership Institute's teachings to their farms back home. Potato LEAF is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Leadership Institute. Head to pleaf.org/leadership-institute-1 to learn more about the program and apply today.