U.S. Potato Industry Faces Roadblocks in Market Access with Mexico

U.S. potato growers are facing roadblocks trying to get market access to Mexico.

Mexico wants to allow a limited amount of chipping potatoes at first, then table s-ock potatoes when they can do more site visits. Last year, the two countries signed expansion agreements for U.S. potatoes and Mexican avocados. Industry leaders say Mexico received expansion, but the U.S. did not. The National Potato Council says it is glad to hear the USDA is looking to resolve these issues and hold Mexico accountable.

"I think they recognize those tactics for what they are. Clearly Mexico has got some other trade issues in the specialty crop industry that they're concerned about like avocado access, that it doesn't appear APHIS and USDA is interested in providing those benefits until they adhere to the terms of the agreement that they have signed and we actually have our exports going to all of Mexico. The Mexican industry is pushing back through their government we're going to do the same."

U.S. secretary of agriculture Tom Vilsack will travel to Mexico later this year, and the NPC says he wants to have the issue resolved before he goes.