United States potato growers will get a chance to sit down and discuss fresh potato trade at a "U.S. Mexico Potato Encounter" scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9-10, in Tijuana, Mexico.
Sponsored by the United States Potato Board, the two-day event will offer a chance for U.S. growers to mingle with buyers, importers, distributors, retailers within the 26 kilometer market access area.
According to the USPB, Mexico provides an outstanding opportunity for fresh potato exports into that country. But for that to happen, U.S. growers must meet demands of the Mexican potato industry.
Among them is making sure potatoes are pest-free of nematodes, viruses and bacterial diseases.
The National Potato Council with the USPB is working this month with the USDA to develop new shipping procedures that reflect Mexico's testing procedures.
APHIS has reported that pests are being found once again in U.S. potatoes checked at the border. APHIS is cautioning that the Mexican market will be difficult to achieve if pest finds increase. Mexican officials state they will close the border should pest detections increase.
To obtain more information contact Leah Cochran of the USPB at
lcochran@uspotatoes.com or (303) 873-2323.