M A R C H 2 0 1 9 10 POTATO GROWER 2019 International Crop Expo By Willem Schrage Dr. Andrew Robinson, NDSU/UMN, introduced the first speaker, Mark Klompien, CEO of United Potato Growers. He started with indicating that in the Northern Plains yellow potatoes experienced growth. The Red River Valley went from around 2% of US ship- ments six years ago to around 8 percent in the last two years. US shipment of yellow flesh more than doubled in the last ten years. Mr. Klompien said that in the last ten years there had been an aver- age growth in yellow supplies of 9.2%/year. In spite of continued growth, 10/5lb bale price remains in the $13-14 range. It is striking that no sin- gle geographic region dominates the yel- low market. Mr. Klompien’s raised the question: “At what supply level will yel- low potatoes still give positive returns?” The red potato market saw an average 10-year annual growth in supplies of 1.4%/year. The red price is more stable today than ever before. Some of the rea- sons were said to be a better utilization of market information and grower col- laboration in which United Potato Growers is instrumental. More areas are doing a better job selling high-quality red potatoes. The business culture in red and yellow potatoes has changed over the last 10 years. Mr. Klompien calculated that .4% lower supply in Russet potatoes gives 9% greater return. Retail advertisements spend more than double on red and yellow potatoes than on russets. There is an overall increase in potato demand in the country. The key to growers is a balance between sup- ply and demand. Larry Alsum, President of the National Potato Council introduced board mem- bers from Minnesota, Lance Hapka and Peter Imle, and from North Dakota, TJ Hall, Keith McGovern and Brian Vculek. NPC programs are the Potato Industry Leadership Institute, sponsored by Syngenta for many years, the Potato DC Fly-In, February 25th thru the 28th, the Potato Expo, combined with the NPC Annual Meeting, EPA Relationships, EPA Summer Tour and State Manager Workshops and Meeting. Larry Alsum introduced John Keeling, Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Potato Council, who will be retiring this year. John Keeling mentioned urgent issues such as trade, transportation, immigration, appropriations, and the Farm Bill. In the omnibus bill the impediment in school meals against potatoes is expected to be lifted. China trade talks are going on. The hope is that the market will be re-established for commodities. The NPC considers mar- ket-access for fresh potatoes a priority in China. John Keeling stated that there should be no issue to have a transporta- tion and infrastructure bill. Immigration reform needs to be fixed. He was positive about the Farm Bill. John Keeling was thanked for his excel- lent services to the potato industry. Blair Richardson, President and CEO of Potatoes USA mentioned the strategy of “Powering Performance with Potatoes.” They have shown the many benefits of potatoes for performance, because of their, complex carbohydrates, Potass- ium, vitamin C, fiber, and protein. He stated that the demand for U.S. potatoes is increasing, especially in value. The increased supply is still not keeping up with a greater increase in demand. There is reduced waste throughout the system. Consumers are passionate about reducing waste and are offering their own tips to their social networks. “We have taken this so far that we are offering single baking potatoes wrapped and ready for the microwave.” Sales of potatoes to and through the foodservice sector is up almost 6% in the past four years. U.S. consumers spend more on food eaten away from home than they do on food eaten at home. Fortunately, potatoes have extremely high penetra- tion on all menus across the U.S., and this penetration is increasing. Demand for frozen potatoes also continues to increase. School foodservice potato offerings increased. Potatoes USA has had a very active program the past three years in concert with the salad bar initia- tive. One in every five rows of potatoes goes overseas. Mr. Richardson said, “We create a moment of reevaluation of potatoes and encourage consumers to take another look, in order to learn the power of the potato.” The question is: “What are you eating?” More information can be found at: PotatoesFuelPerformance. com. Potatoes USA has a kit available to help the potato industry use the advertise- ment: “What Are You Eating?” It can be