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M A R C H 2 0 1 618 POTATO GROWER 2016 International Crop Expo by Willem Schrage North Dakota State Seed Department The annual International Crop Expo was held in the Alerus Center in Grand Forks February 17th and 18th. There were programs for small grains soybeansdry beans and for potatoes. There were twelve speakers in the potato program during the two days. The program started with marketing and general information before pro- duction technology and disease con- trol. United Potato Growers of America Buzz Shahan gave statistics about the correlation between supply and price for potatoes. He indicated that the quality of Red River Valley potatoes was excellent but that a good price could not be obtained if the supply in the two states was above around 3.3M cwt. Mr. Shahan also mentioned that pota- toes in the Red River Valley have longer storability because of the qual- ity of potatoes produced in the soil here. He saw a future for yellow flesh potatoes hin the Valley. US Potato Board Carl Hoverson Hoverson Farms Chairman of the US Potato Board mentioned that he had seen great interest for American potatoes in South East Asia. He then introduced John Toaspern the Chief Marketing Officer. John Toaspern mentioned listening sessions of the last year where the Potato Board wanted to know what the people in the industry expected. The mission of the board is now Strengthen demand for potatoes. The boards Vision is to create positive change in the industry through inno- vative and inspiring approaches. The goals of the Board are Establish new markets for potatoes. Increase new channels for usage of potatoes. Improve perceptions of nutrition and health benefits of potatoes. Optimize coordination of national and regional research efforts. Expand the awareness understand- ing engagement and involvement of board members and industry. Exports are up 12 from July September after they had been down 20 in October June. the US Potato Board organized many promotional efforts in Southeast Asia. Promotion strategies mentioned were The Ninth wonder of the world inspiration to people interested in food preparation. Digital Advertising Inspiration and print advertising. Honest cooking videos. Spud Nations a new food truck pro- gram that includes the food truck as a billboard and a way to introduce new recipes with potatoes. Salad bars are the new approach because there is so much interest today in salads. The school foodservice program develops several new kid-friendly recipes in an easy to prepare school food service format. The brochure Potatoes Raise the Bar Kid-Friendly Ideas for a Farmers Market Bar and the website PotatoesRaiseTheBar. com highlights research recipes nutrition information as well as dis- play and merchandising ideas to increase kids consumption of vegeta- bles especially potatoes More information can be found at www.uspotatoes.com. John Keeling of the National Potato Council mentioned that participation in the FLY-IN to Washington DC is growing. It is important for growers and other members of the industry to be heard in Washington DC. The Trans Pacific Trade Pact was expected to be of great benefit to the industry. He also mentioned that the present political climate is not the most con- ducive to get an international trade pact accepted but he had great hopes that the US would be part of it. The National Potato Council supports a national labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms GMOs under the Food and Drug Administration. It is becoming more urgent because states such as Vermont are starting to mandate labeling. For industry and consumers it will be costly to have a patch-work of GMO labeling man- dates. Mr. Keeling mentioned that funding for potato research increased from 1.3 million to 2 million dollars and emphasized the importance of this. Introduction of 14PEEP and 14ZAP Ms. Addie Waxman 14 GROUP remembered Jim Zalewski who had participated in the research and development of 14PEEP and 14ZAP.