N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 POTATO GROWER 7 In May 2018, the Guatemalan gov- ernment opened their market to U.S. seed potatoes from all U.S. states. Thus, the next round of Potatoes USA field trials in 2019 will introduce U.S. seed potato varieties from areas with newly granted access. Potatoes USA anticipates that U.S. commercial seed potato sales will grow four-fold to about 100 tons annually in 2019 based on Potatoes USA’s work in Guatemala over the last few years; there is growing interest expressed by buy- ers after the most recent U.S. trials were harvested in September 2018. Unlike most foreign markets, European seed potato producers do not have access, so the United States has a unique advantage. Potatoes USA is planning a market visit to Guatemala in early 2019 where U.S. growers and exporters will have the opportunity to visit with local producers, current and potential buyers of U.S. seed pota- toes, researchers and importers. For details, please contact Amy@ PotatoesUSA.com Several training events to explain the benefits of cutting seed have been conducted by Potatoes USA in partnership with local organizations.