Potatoes to Mexico Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Despite decades of pushback from Mexico’s potato industry, the first shipment of U.S. fresh potatoes, in over 25 years, made its way into Mexico on May 11th.Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO, says much like when Mexican avocados came into the U.S. market, U.S. potatoes could benefit everyone …
QUARLES … “There was so much demand for avocados in restaurants all the way up in New York state and in Maine, you know, far from the border, it created this massive rising tide that lifted all boats. We think the same thing can happen with our potatoes going into Mexico.”
And how long before we know what Mexican demand will look like …
QUARLES … “Given the challenges that have existed in the past it’s going to be a kind of trust but verify situation until they really see those loads consistently coming in. So, I would say, it’s going to be awhile.”
And assuming we clear all the challenges, Quarles says it should pay off …
QUARLES … “When you look out over five years, this is potentially a $200 million a year market for U.S. fresh potatoes going into Mexico. If, if we’re able to achieve that goal and those estimates prove correct, you’re talking about a 10% to 15% increaser in global U.S. potato exports just in this one market. So, it is a huge game-changer.”
Quarles says there’s no doubt potato growers from the Pacific Northwest and the rest of the country are going to benefit from this.