Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32M A R C H 2 0 1 7 14 POTATO GROWER 2017 International Crop Expo by Willem Schrage The Annual International Crop Expo was held this year on February 23rd and 24th at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The potato pro- gram had fourteen speakers from differ- ent states discussing economic, political, meteorological and technical issues. Dr. Andy Robinson, NDSU/UMN welcomed everyone and introduced the speakers. Mr. Mark Klompien, President/CEO, United Potato Growers of America (UPGA), spoke about the Fresh-Potato Market Outlook. He mentioned the UPGA’s database that can assess the region’s supply/price relationship, and how it can be used to supply the market at a profitable level. His answer to the question of how growers can assure that price exceeds production cost, was to suggest supplying the market at the proper level. As an example he showed how last year in the Big Lake area the knowledge of supply and expected sup- ply prevented the price from dropping much and also helped a quick price recovery. Mr. Klompien stated that in fresh produce the price is always dictat- ed by supply. He suggested that with the UPGA’s extensive database we know within pennies what price a certain sup- ply will produce in a certain region, and we can correct supply. Mr. Blair Richardson, President and CEO of Potatoes USA mentioned the changes in the potato market with a tendency to look for more variety and a shift to a greater market share for the food serv- ice. He mentioned some of the pro- grams of Potatoes USA, such as the salad bar and food trucks (SpudNation) in Denver and Washington DC. On the website, spudnation.com, one can find where the truck is by clicking on . Mr. Richardson announced a shift by Potatoes USA in their approach to potato promotion. He expected that the efforts would go from a defensive: “It is OK to eat potatoes” to the recommenda- tion that “One should eat more pota- toes.” Ms. Rachael Lynch, Potatoes USA, gave an overview of the Changing Marketplace for Potatoes. “One portion of retail that is changing dramatically is in the prepared food sec- tions,” she said. Retailers are increasing- ly expanding this portion of the store by offering foodservice options, in other words, restaurants in grocery stores. Foodservice accounts for commercial as well as non-commercial, such as schools and hospitals, and senior living. Data shows that 67% of potatoes are prepared at home, while 33% are eaten away from home, but more potatoes are sold to foodservice than at retail. Using lifestyle, food and cooking atti- tudes they found seven distinct seg- ments of American consumers. Ms. Lynch went on to explain these cat- egories in more detail, expecting people in the audience to find themselves in one of them. She mentioned the increase in online purchases, but con- cluded that prepared-food departments are well-suited to meet consumers’ demands for fresh, high-quality ingredi- ents. However, growing concerns over artificial flavors and food additives may drive consumers away from some pack- aged foods. Another growth area for retail was meal kits. They are easy to prepare, less meal planning, saving time cooking, being a convenient and healthy option. These changes in how consumers are sourcing their food pose both concerns and opportunities for retailers. Ms. Lynch indicated that Potatoes USA is committed to following the trends to ensure everyone in the potato industry has the latest information. Potatoes USA welcomes the opportunity to help people in the industry to strengthen the demand of potatoes. PotatoesUSA.com is the industry website; Potato Goodness.com is the consumer website. Mr. John Keeling, CEO of the National Potato Council stated the obvious: “There will be changes in Washington DC”. “Unpredictability seems to have become part of the deal,” he said. He mentioned that the North Dakota Access Pipeline will be finished. “Much change is expected in the EPA and reform in the EPA is overdue,” he said. According to Mr. Keeling regulations are about creating certainty for the regulat- ed community and there should be reform to create transparent programs developing regulations. Mr. Keeling also indicated that the potato industry very much supported the pesticide program of the EPA. Mr. Keeling continued by saying that there are concerns about trade. “When we leave the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) we will be competing against lower tariffs.” Bilateral agreements may be replacing it, but that will be difficult, because every agreement will have to be brought to congress.