A group of bipartisan, bicameral legislators is seeking to expand the U.S. fresh potato market in Japan, according to a news story by Nicole Heslip for Brownfield.
Kam Quarles, the head of the National Potato Council, told Brownfield that the Japanese market could offer significant growth opportunities for U.S. growers. He estimated that the potential increase in U.S. fresh potato exports could be between $150 million and $200 million annually.
Quarles noted that Japan’s potato supply is predominantly domestic, with only a limited supply of U.S. potatoes used for chipping. He pointed out that shortages in production have led to drastic increases in potato chip prices.
In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary Vilsack, the lawmakers urged for resolutions to be made before the upcoming bilateral talks scheduled for this fall.
Source: Brownfield. Read the full story and listen to Nicole Heslip’s interview with Kam Quarles
Photo: Credit Pexels from Pixabay
