New Year Finds Frustrated Potato Growers & Census of Agriculture Deadline

Last September the U.S. potato industry was optimistic that the Mexican fresh potato export market would finally expand beyond the current restriction of sixteen miles south of the U.S. border after years of deliberations. But the ushering in of the new year now finds potato growers wondering if an agreement can be reached with the Mexican government regarding policy changes it proposed in late November on fresh potato imports into that country. The proposed policy changes identified more than eighty pests of concern, as opposed to the six identified by an international panel of experts. On December 21 Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell joined several other senators representing potato states in writing a letter to the Obama administration stressing the importance of “science based standards” in agricultural trade with Mexico. Washington exports roughly 21 thousand metric tons of fresh potatoes into the 16 mile border area designated by the Mexican government.

By now most Washington farmers and ranchers have received a Census of Agriculture form in the mail. Dan Newhouse, Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, has this message regarding the Census.

NEWHOUSE: I’m encouraging all Washington producers to respond to the Census of Agriculture. Local and national leaders use the Census to make decisions that directly impact your business, your community, and your industry. Remember, the Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, and your responsibility.

Your completed census report is due by February 4. If you have misplaced your Census form and need to request a replacement, need help completing your form, or need more information, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.

I’m Lacy Gray and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Ag Information Network.