‘Gateway vegetable’: Challenges, opportunities for spuds

Potatoes – billed by supporters as “America’s favorite vegetable,” “a gateway vegetable,” and “the ninth wonder of the world” – are a top crop in the northern Red River Valley. National potato industry leaders know that well, which is why they make an annual winter trek to Grand Forks, N.D. Regaining lost foreign sales, boosting domestic consumption and avoiding harmful regulations are priorities now for growers in both the Red River Valley and across the country, industry leaders say. Top officials of the U.S. Potato Board, National Potato Council and United Potato Growers of America spoke Wednesday at the 15th annual International Crop Expo at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. The two-day event, which ends Thursday, is expected to draw 5,000 people and 180 exhibits. More