b'infederalgovernmentsupportto SecretaryVilsackraisesquestions seat at the table whenever decision-the potato industry since the crisis about how potatoes will be treated makersareconsideringrulesthatbegan.in federal nutrition programs during couldimpactourindustryorourPresident Bidens term. The scars we ability to farm.Even in a town where a billion dol- earned during the battles over pota-lars is considered a rounding error, toes in WIC and school meal pro- TheU.S.potatoindustrynotonlythese funds didnt just fall out of the grams are still fresh; however, we are puts food on dinner tables, it gener-sky. Our efforts in Washington, D.C. in a much better place than we were ates tens of thousands of jobs and with the help of our supporters in a decade ago. Through the work of billions of dollars in support of ruralCongressdeliveredthesingle NPCandPotatoesUSA,wehave communities all across the nation.largest federal support for potatoes invested heavily in the nutrition sci- Whenthepotatoindustryisin our nations history. encetobetterunderstandthe healthy,Americaisbetteroff.natureofpotatoes.Thatrigorous Through the efforts of NPC and ourThe industrys consistent, relentless peer-reviewed science reinforces our state potato organizations last year,focus and coordinated response that beliefs that that nutrient-rich, cost- weareonabetterfootingtodayresulted in $250 million in pandem- efficientpotatoeshavearightful than we could have imagined dur-ic relief will serve as a model as we placewithothervegetablesinall ingthepandemicsdarkesttimes.move forward as we take on the pol- federal feeding programs.Well take that consistent, relentlessicy challenges facing NPC and the focus in addressing tomorrows pol-industry as a whole. Whetheritsnutrition,trade,labor icy challenges as the nation contin-or transportation, well continue to ues to open up and people get backForexample,thereturnofUSDA fight to ensure that potatoes have a to work.Maximize 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.comMARCH 2021 POTATO GROWER 9'