Eye on Potatoes: A Podcast on All Things Potatoes

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles joined a delegation of U.S. potato industry partners in Tokyo, Japan, the week of Oct. 12 to provide technical assistance and support for U.S. trade officials during a bilateral meeting between the two countries where full market access for fresh potatoes was the top American priority.

Kam joined the podcast to talk about those discussions and how the group assisted U.S. negotiators press their Japanese counterparts to adhere strictly to international, science-based standards and fulfill their trade commitments. 

For more than three decades, Japan has delayed technical r...

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles calls in to react to the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee's vote to favorably report out the Farm Bill. Kam discusses the prospects of the bill and its potential path forward during the Lame Duck session, and previews the upcoming Potato Expo 2027 in Denver.   

Last Friday, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service amended federal regulations on Prince Edward Island potato imports to protect domestic crops from potato wart. Maine Potato Board Executive Director Jeannie Tapley and National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles joined the Eye on Potatoes podcast to discuss this progress in protecting U.S. growers, new waste disposal requirements for bulk shipments, and the impact on Maine growers. 

National Potato Council CEO and Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Co-Chair Kam Quarles joined the podcast to provide an update on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s recent 10-11 vote on the Agriculture Act of 2026 -- also known as the Farm Bill. 

Disagreements over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program stalled the bill's progress, pushing negotiations until after the Senate returns from a month-long Labor Day recess. Quarles explains why this pause offers lawmakers a crucial window to draft bipartisan solutions rather than shutting down the process for the year.

This week, host Lane Nordlund sits down with National Potato Council Vice President of Legislative Affairs Dean Gibson and NPC CEO Kam Quarles to analyze pressing issues facing U.S. potato growers as July 2026 comes to a close. 

The group reviews current growing conditions in Idaho and across the West, examining how hot summer weather, wildfire smoke, and tightening water supplies impact local operations. Kam and Dean recap the successful NPC Summer Meeting in Detroit, held jointly with Potatoes USA, and outline critical policy discussions underway in Washington, D.C. The conversation covers key federal topics, including t...

This week, host Lane Nordlund sat down with National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles to talk about the high-stakes policy issues facing potato growers before Congress takes its August recess. Quarles breaks down the ongoing negotiations over specialty crop grower aid, the push to pass a new Farm Bill by the end of 2026, and the newly introduced Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act. He also shares details from a recent White House dinner with President Donald Trump and previews the upcoming National Potato Council Summer Meeting in Detroit. 

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-Pa.) has announced his intention to introduce the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act on June 30. The legislation directly addresses ongoing agricultural labor challenges through three main pillars: expanding access, controlling costs, and streamlining operations.

In this episode, we explore how this legislation addresses the agricultural labor crisis by reforming the H-2A visa program. Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, breaks down the bill's three main pillars: expanding labor access, controlling Adverse Effect Wage Rate costs and streamlining federal regulations. Brett Jensen, NPC Vice President of Trade...

The National Potato Council Summer Meeting heads to Detroit this July, and organizers have planned an incredible lineup of activities, sessions, and networking events to showcase the Motor City. 

Host Lane Nordlund welcomes NPC's 2026 President Ben Sklarczyk, a seed potato grower from Johannesburg, Michigan, and Kelly Turner, Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, to provide a Summer Meeting preview and talk about the history and impact of the Michigan potato industry.

Ben shares the history of his family farm and explains how his background as a seed producer shapes his vision for protecting f...

During Potato Expo 2026, we were joined by the dynamic duo leading that charge at Potatoes USA: Culinary Director Chef RJ Harvey and Executive Sous Chef Aurora Hollenbeck. These two experts are redefining the potato's role in the culinary world through their unique perspectives as registered dietitians and scientists.

Join us as we look inside the day-to-day operations of Potato USA's Spud Lab and how it provides practical solutions for major foodservice operators, as well as how Potatoes USA is working to promote potatoes as a profitable and exciting menu fixture in high-volume chain restaurants.

Recorded live at Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, this special episode brings together the top leadership of the U.S. potato industry. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles, Potatoes USA CEO Blair Richardson, and United Potato Growers of America President and CEO Mark Klompein join host Lane Nordlund to discuss the power of organizational alignment.

The three leaders reflect on a volatile 2025 marked by the establishment of the "Make America Healthy Again" commission, looming tariff threats, and shifting global trade dynamics. The roundtable explores how United’s economic intelligence, Potatoes USA’s mark...

During Potato Expo 2026, we explored leadership through the lens of one of American history's most pivotal moments: the Battle of Gettysburg. National Potato Council COO Mike Wenkel and retired Marine Corps Colonel Rob Abbott, a licensed battlefield guide and leadership expert, joined the Eye on Potatoes podcast to discuss the Potato LEAF "Leadership in the Field" program.

Colonel Abbott shares how the triumphs and failures of Civil War commanders offer vital lessons for modern potato operations. The conversation dives into critical topics, including leadership succession and managing mental health challenges like PTSD—drawing parallels between the rigors of...

Potatoes are highly sensitive to even moderate environmental changes. During Potato Expo 2026, we sat down with Andrew Pritchard, Senior Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien, who identified the "best and worst" weather patterns for potato health. The conversation focuses on practical resilience strategies, including soil performance tracking and storage management, to help producers remain profitable despite erratic rainfall and shifting pest pressures. 

The 2025 Leadership Institute added a new layer of innovation with the introduction of capstone projects, requiring participants to identify and solve critical issues facing the U.S. potato industry. 

On this episode of Eye on Potatoes, we sit down with Michael Rainis of Friehe Farms, Mike Murphy of Childstock Farms, and Matthew McKenna of County Farms—the trio behind "SPUD Team Six." Fresh off their presentation on the main stage at Potato Expo 2026, these emerging leaders share their capstone project plan to double the participation rate of Leadership Institute graduates in state and national organizations within one yea...

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Spudman Managing Editor Melinda Waldrop join the Eye on Potatoes Podcast to break down the inaugural 2026 Spud Sector Survey. This first-of-its-kind report moves past headlines to reveal the economic heartbeat of America’s potato growers. 

Discover how NPC uses this "hard data ammunition" to advocate for our family farms in Washington, D.C. The group discusses the striking "optimism gap," where growers feel confident in their own operations but fear for the broader industry’s future. From the 82.9% of growers facing inflationary disruptions to the "essential bridge" of federal emergency aid...

In this special live recording from the Expo Stage at Potato Expo 2026, host Lane Nordlund sits down with Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council (NPC), and Randy Russell, President and CEO of The Russell Group. One year into the current administration, the discussion tackles the current policy landscape and its impact on NPC's mission of "Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill."

The conversation explores how the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement and the DOGE commission have shifted the food policy landscape far faster than typical federal cycles. Looking toward...

In this recording from Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Matt Lantz of Bryant Christie Inc. dive into the high-stakes world of international potato trade. The group discusses the industry’s formal request for a Section 332 fact-finding investigation to address concerns regarding British Columbia’s efforts over 40 years to limit exports of potatoes to that province, along with concerns over other Canadian policies that may unfairly distort trade. They also explore how the industry is using trade leverage to decrease friction and expand the global footprint of U.S. potatoes in Asia, Mexico, and aroun...

Recorded live at Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, Texas.

Host Lane Nordlund sits down with some of the nation's leading agriculture advocates to examine the state of agricultural labor in the U.S. and discuss the pressing need for a stable and secure workforce.

The panel explores efforts by the Agriculture Workforce Coalition to drive legislative and regulatory reforms. They address the complex intersection of border security, legal status for the existing workforce, and necessary updates to the H-2A guest worker program. The group also outlines current regulatory hurdles and how potato growers can engage...

This morning, the Trump Administration released the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, marking a significant development for U.S. potato growers. In this episode of the Eye on Potatoes podcast, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles and Beth Johnson of Food Directions break down the release and what it means for the industry.

They discuss the encouraging new consumer graphic that features a whole, fresh potato front and center, identifying it as a nutrient-rich vegetable that Americans should eat in greater volumes. They also analyze how specific recommendations regarding processed potato products integrate with this broader guidance.<...

Get ready to head to the heart of Texas for the potato industry’s premier event! In this episode, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Vice President of Industry Relations & Events Hollee Alexander sit down to preview Potato Expo 2026, taking place Jan. 6-8, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas.

As the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry, Potato Expo 2026 offers a can’t-miss opportunity to reunite with the potato community, spark new ideas, and shape the future of the industry. Kam and Hollee discuss what attendees can expect from their trip to Dallas, from unparalleled netw...

On Monday, Dec. 8, the Trump Administration announced a new economic aid package for U.S. farmers that provided little meaningful relief for specialty crop growers. In this D.C. update, NPC CEO Kam Quarles joins us to discuss the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance's (SCFBA) reaction to the disappointing news.

Quarles explains why the package's primary focus on crop producers impacted by tariffs ignores the full scope of the economic crisis facing growers of potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops. He shares the SCFBA's stance on the package and urges the Administration and Congress to move...

With the federal government back up and running, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and COO Mike Wenkel called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast this week to discuss the National Potato Council's top priorities for the next two months and provide updates on key labor and environmental regulatory efforts. 

Join us as we take a deep dive into: Congressional priorities now that the government is reopened; key recommendations of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance for the new Farm Bill; the outlook and critical deadlines for emergency relief programs for growers; and top legislative and appropriations priorities, including s...

Guests:

The federal government shutdown is hitting U.S. potato growers where it hurts: market access and emergency relief.

Tune in as NPC CEO Kam Quarles and global trade expert Matt Lantz break down the real-world costs of the continued lapse in funding. This week, we dive deep into major concerns for the industry:

The Disrupted Japan Mission: Kam and Matt recently returned from a trade visit to Japan that was intended...

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles joins the podcast on September 11 to reflect on his experiences from 24 years ago and discuss the current state of affairs in Washington, D.C. He and host Lane Nordlund address the pending government shutdown, the implications of the "Make America Healthy Again" report, the possibilities for another round of economic relief, and the importance of passing a Farm Bill. Kam also highlights how the Trump Administration's tariff talks could lead to new opportunities for U.S. potato growers in markets like Japan. 

During the NPC Washington Summit in February, potato growers Alexandria Bare (Minn.) and Ryan Christensen (Idaho) joined us to discuss their experience in the 2025 Leadership Institute.

This episode details the 2025 class's visit to Wisconsin, what they learned during the communication and media training courses, and how they will apply the Leadership Institute's teachings to their farms back home.

Potato LEAF is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Leadership Institute. Head to pleaf.org/leadership-institute-1 to learn more about the program and apply today.

Earlier this summer, Congress and USDA delivered desperately needed funding for specialty crop growers, including our potato farmers, through a $2.5 billion injection of federal support through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program and the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Joining us to break down this game-changing news are Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and Co-Chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, and Dean Gibson, NPC's Vice President of Legislative Affairs and an Idaho potato grower. 

They'll discuss the origins of this investment, the light-speed delivery of payments, and t...

During Potato Expo 2025, we were joined by Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, and Andy Lavigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), to dig into the future of potato growing with a fascinating topic: True Potato Seed

Andy will shed light on ASTA's pivotal role in evolving plant breeding methods and genetic discovery, then he'll break down what "true potato seed" is and its benefits for the potato sector. We'll also get an update on the regulatory and technological status of true potato seed and discuss where...

The Trump Administration's "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Commission report, spearheaded by Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., has ignited a major debate across the U.S. food and agriculture landscape. While the National Potato Council applauds the report's focus on a healthier America and increased fruit and vegetable consumption, certain recommendations are raising critical questions for our industry.

In this episode, we're joined by NPC CEO Kam Quarles and returning guest Beth Johnson, Founder & Principal of Food Directions. We dive deep into the MAHA report, exploring its implications for food policy, the integrity of...

Join us for a special episode dedicated to the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF)! Launched in January 2020 at Potato Expo, Potato LEAF is shaping the future of U.S. potato production through impactful leadership and educational programming, born from a vision to establish a long-term funding mechanism for the industry's growth.

In this episode, we'll dive into the five-year history of Potato LEAF, explore how collaborative leadership has driven its success, and celebrate the incredible results of its inaugural Founders Society Campaign, which surpassed its $2 million goal even amidst the challenges of COVID-19.
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Nathan Gonzales is Editor & Publisher of Inside Elections, which provides nonpartisan analysis of campaigns for Senate, House, governor, and president. He's also co-host of the Inside Elections Podcast and an Elections Analyst for CQ Roll Call. 

During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, we sat down with Nathan to talk about the political trends coming out of the 2024 elections, the latest innovations and challenges shaping the future of political campaigning, and how the political chessboard has been rearranged for 2025 and beyond. 

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face th...

U.S. EPA has made a concerted effort over the past several years to come into compliance with its obligations under the Endangered Species Act. Much of its efforts are driven by what is referred to as the Mega Suit by environmental groups, which are forcing deadlines on EPA to meet its obligations. During Potato Expo 2025, we sat down with two policy experts to talk about what the implementation of EPA’s strategy will mean for growers.

Guests: 

During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, we caught up with Brett Jensen, the newly elected National Potato Council Vice President of Trade Affairs. We chatted with Brett about his operations in Idaho Falls, his previous chairmanships of the Idaho Potato Commission and Potatoes USA, and how his background supports his role in leading NPC's trade advocacy efforts.

On April 9, President Trump announced he would pause "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of non-retaliating countries for 90 days while raising duties on China to 125%. Responding to the news, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and industry consultant Matt Lantz jumped on the podcast to discuss the rapidly changing environment around tariffs, how our industry's top export markets are reacting, and some new opportunities they are seeing for reaching new consumers throughout the world. 

Guests:  

This podcast is po...

During February's NPC Washington Summit, we sat down with incoming NPC President Ted Tschirky of Tschirky Farms in Pasco, Wash, who talked about his new role and the importance of growers being industry advocates from the local to federal levels. Joining Ted was Dean Gibson from Paul, Idaho, and NPC’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs, who previewed some of the policy priorities that growers would be taking to their Members of Congress during their Hill visits. 

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex cha...

During January's Potato Expo 2025, we sat down to talk about one of the most pressing issues impacting the agricultural community: labor. 

Joining the podcast for the first time was Shawn Packer, principal member of JPH Law, who brought his extensive expertise in legal frameworks shaping agricultural operations to the discussion. JPH Law is a consultant to the National Potato Council through the Agricultural Workforce Coalition on agricultural labor policy. We were also joined by Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, who spearheads NPC's ag workforce efforts.  

Guests: 

While a hot-button topic, the tariff issue has been a moving target. When U.S. potato growers met last week at the NPC Washington Summit, we had questions about whether tariffs would cover agricultural products or if they would be imposed at all. On Tuesday of this week, 25% tariffs were officially imposed on Canada and Mexico, but yesterday afternoon, the president announced that tariffs on both countries would be deferred for one month on all goods covered under the USMCA trade agreement, which includes fresh and processed potatoes.  

With things changing by the day – or sometimes by the...

During Potato Expo 2025, we sat down to talk about the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans process and the report issued late last year by the DGA Scientific Advisory Committee to understand how the final guidelines could impact the U.S. potato industry. We were joined once again by NPC CEO Kam Quarles and returning guest Beth Johnson from the company Food Directions, which has been working with NPC to ensure that accurate potato makes it into the final version of the guidelines. 

Guests: 

Beth Johnson, Founder + Principal, Food Directions

Kam Quarles, CEO, Na...

The Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, and it continues to be an invaluable asset to the industry. In 2024, it added its first new program to its leadership development offerings – Leadership in the Field held at the Gettysburg Battlefield. 

Recorded at Potato Expo 2025, we welcomed Colin Szawlowski, owner of Valley Spud LLC, and Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, to the podcast to talk about the successful programs of Potato LEAF – including the Leadership in the Field program – and the organization's impact in 2025. 

This p...

The opening of Mexico to fresh table stock exports has created significant benefits for U.S. producers, Mexican consumers and even Mexican growers as demand for potatoes increases. During Potato Expo 2025, we brought together four industry experts to provide valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities surrounding U.S. potato exports. The episode highlights the 25-year journey to open the Mexican market for U.S. potatoes, demonstrating the collaboration between industry leaders and government officials.

• Overview of the 25-year effort to gain market access
• Strategies by Potatoes USA to educate Mexican consumers
• Differences in consumer prefer...

During Potato Expo 2025 in Orlando, Florida, we sat down with NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Randy Russell, President of The Russell Group, to reflect on the outcomes of the 2024 election and forecast how the policies being floated by the incoming Trump Administration and new Congress could impact growers in 2025 and beyond. 

Guests: 

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an a...

With 2024 quickly coming to a close, we checked in with National Potato Council President Bob Mattive and NPC CEO Kam Quarles to look back on a busy year for agriculture policy and the organization, and look ahead at the upcoming Potato Expo and Washington Summit. 

Guests: 

This podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Ex...