NPC NEWS

NPC Urges Continued Pressure on Mexico

U.S. Trade Rep. Katherine Tai pushes for fresh potato dispute resolution

U.S. Trade Rep. Katherine Tai met virtually, May 3, with the National Potato Council (NPC) to discuss the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of her upcoming trilateral meeting with representatives from Canada and Mexico to review the implementation of the Agreement. NPC Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles and Bryant Christie’s Matt Lantz spoke with her about the industry’s trade priorities, including the next steps in a continued effort to open the full Mexican market for fresh U.S. potatoes. Bryant Christie Inc. regularly assists in market access and foreign government affairs. After the meeting, Quarles commented that, “It was a great opportunity to thank Ambassador Tai and the USTR [U.S. Trade Representative] staff for all their work in pushing the Mexico fresh potato dispute toward a final resolution. We share the intention to reinstate full U.S. market access in the next few months, to the benefit of both countries.” However, the work in Mexico is far from complete. The U.S. potato industry, along with partners at USTR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are in close contact with the Mexican regulators who need to reinstate access that U.S. growers lost when lawsuits were filed to stop the regulations permitting fresh potato access in Mexico from taking palace. “The fortunate part of this is we’re not creating a new market access agreement: we’re simply reinstating what was already there,” Quarles says. “That gives us a lot of optimism that this can happen rapidly, but only with constant pressure from the U.S. government.”

Above: In the Zoom meeting screen grab image, Matt Lantz (left) of Bryant Christie Inc., which assists in market access and foreign government affairs, and National Potato Council Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles (center) meet with U.S. Trade Rep. Katherine Tai (right) to discuss the U.S.Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Zoom conference was prior to Rep. Tai’s trilateral meeting with representatives from Canada and Mexico to review implementation of USMCA, giving Lantz and Quarles a chance to speak with her about the industry’s trade priorities.

NPC Summer Meeting Moves Virtual

Due to ongoing travel challenges, NPC announces that its 2021 Summer Meeting will be held as a 100 percent virtual event, July 27-30. While NPC is disappointed that council members are not able to host an in-person event, the limited availability of facilities and travelrelated challenges led the Executive Committee to make the decision to go virtual. Details on the schedule will be announced soon.

Grow Leadership Skills at PILI Alumni Summit

For the first time, the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is offering a three-day, virtual Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) Alumni Summit to drive success and leadership within the industry. Each day of the virtual program will include a high-energy, engaging 90-minute session designed to refresh skills, network with fellow PILI alums and learn new techniques. Review the schedule of events below to see what topics will be covered.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Refining Your Leadership Skills with Laurie Richards

Tuesday, July 13, 12:00-1:30 p.m. ET (9:00-10:30 a.m. PT) This session will include defining and communicating a common vision, and motivating team members to achieve it.

Refining Your Conflict Management with Eric Herdman

Wednesday, July 14, 12:00-1:30 p.m. ET (9:00-10:30 a.m. PT) This session will focus on managing conflict to achieve necessary results.

Boosting the Team’s Morale with Laurie Richards

Thursday, July 15, 12:00-1:30 p.m. ET (9:00-10:30 a.m. PT) This session will cover ways to increase morale with any team, in the workplace, at home or in a community. To register, visit: https://web.cvent. com/event/6c05001e-04c2-469181eb-f686fa8cf1d8/regProcess Step1.

SHOP HEARTLAND AG SYSTEMS TO FILL YOUR COMPLETE SPRAYER PARTS NEEDS.

Strainers to fit all your needs!

• In-Line Strainers • Y-Strainers • T-Strainers

Cam-Loc Fittings and Valves

• Size up to 4” • Poly or SS

Sprayer Tips of all sizes and types in stock

•TeeJet •Wilger •Hypro •Poly •Ceramic •Brass •Stainless Steel

Pumps of all types ready to fit your needs.

• Gas Engine, Electric, Hydraulic, PTO • Centrifugal, Roller, Squeese or Piston Pumps

Hoses of all types ready to fit your needs.

• Sprayer Hose •Suction Hose •Discharge Hose • Fire Hose •EVA Hose •NH3 Hose

www.heartlandag.com • One Day Delivery!

4180 Reardon Rd., DeForest, WI 53532-2759 608.846.9064 • 800.523.2350