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 with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to amplify the industry’s voice.

Guests:

• Jonathan Sarager, Senior Federal Government Affairs Director, Western Growers
• John Walt Boatright, Director, Government Affairs, American Farm Bureau Federation
• Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council

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.

Tune in to hear how these new guidelines represent a major shift from the federal policy challenges of the past—specifically the efforts to remove potatoes from school meal programs during the Obama Administration—to today's recognition of America's favorite vegetable.

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 networking with growers and suppliers to the latest innovations on the trade show floor.

Learn more at potato-expo.com.

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 beyond this limited proposal by taking swift action to advance a much larger, meaningful assistance package for all impacted farmers.

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 securing funding for research and market development.

Mike will also provide updates on the regulatory environment, covering: the potential impacts of the Department of Labor's new two-level wage structure for the H-2A program; and the benefits of the new EPA WOTUS proposal, specifically the clarity on excluding certain ditches.

Guests:

• Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
• Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie

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 to move forward the long-awaited fresh potato access deal. They reveal how the shutdown, specifically the cancellation of the USDA Secretary's participation, impacted the negotiations in Tokyo as well as this week's bilateral meeting in Wenatchee, Wash.

The Fight for Grower Relief: Kam provides an update on the Trump Administration’s planned emergency aid package, initially prompted by challenges facing soybean farmers. He details the efforts of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance to ensure that potato growers are included in any aid package and to secure a mechanism that effectively delivers relief to specialty crop growers.

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.