b'Keep potatoes equal with other veg- equivalentwithothervegetablesin WorkforceModernizationActthatetables and invest in potato science accessingtheschoolbreakfastpro- would address the agriculture indus-and research gram in future appropriations bills. trys critical shortage of labor to plantResearchisofcriticalimportanceto andharvestcrops.Toalleviatetheaddressthechallengeofproviding Ag transportation efficiencies agricultural labor crisis, growers advo-food and fiber to a growing popula- NPC continues to advocate for trans- catedforalegislativesolutionthattion.NPCsupportsacoordinated portationreformsandinfrastructure includesaresponsiveguestworkerpublicandprivateresearcheffortto investments that make it easier to get program, and a viable option for theimprove U.S. potato nutrition, quali- potatoes to market both domestically currentimproperlydocumentedty, and yield.and internationally. This year, grow- workforce to obtain legal work status.ers asked their members of CongressDuring the Fly-In, growers specifically tosupportacomprehensivetrans- Not only does the Fly-In provide anasked for: portationfundingbillthatincludes opportunityforgrowerstounder-increased truck weight limits, hours- standtheissuesbeingdebatedin At least $3.25 million in funding for of-serviceenhancements,andsub- D.C.,itgivespotatoadvocatestheNIFAs Potato Research Special Grants. stantial investments in U.S. infrastruc- chance to help shape that process. ture including roads and seaports. Maintainingappropriationsreport Even during a pandemic, the Fly-In islanguage that recognizes the value of Supportingaglaborreformprovi- aweekunlikeanyother,providingthe ARS Potato Collaborative Research sionsthatensureasustainable growers and industry partners a forumProgram. workforce to speak with one voice to decision-Finally, at this years Fly-In we once makers as we continue to fight for a Maintaining the current bipartisan again called on Congress to pass legis- brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.provision that makes white potatoes lation similar to the bipartisan FarmMaximize Your Farms EFFICIENCY!In the heart of potato country. Serving all of Agriculture.Visit us onFACEBOOKServicing Shop: (715) 335-6652Cell: (715) 498-6651 ALL Makes E-mail: [email protected] 8364 Monica Road, PO Box 228Bancroft, WI 54921 of Equipment www.sandcountyequipment.comAPRIL 2021 POTATO GROWER 11'