This time each February, potato growers who would rather wear blue jeans than business suits put aside their comfort to meet in Washington, D.C., and advocate for a better future for the potato industry.
The annual Potato D.C. Fly-In—hosted by the National Potato Council—provides an opportunity for growers and allied industry partners to educate federal policymakers on issues that could impact their farms and businesses for years to come.
Since new members of Congress often have little connection to production agriculture or rural America, the Fly-In has only grown in importance. Policymakers need the commonsense perspective of our industry if they are to solve our country’s largest challenges.
The meeting is open to anyone interested in making a difference for the industry. During the meeting, attendees are given the tools to advocate for laws and regulations to improve our business climate. Once fully informed on the issues and their solutions, attendees take the industry’s public policy priorities to Capitol Hill and meet directly with key members of Congress, their staff, and top regulatory officials. Priority issues to be addressed this year include trade, agriculture labor reform, nutrition, access to crop protection tools, and research for potatoes.
Attendees also get a chance to hear directly from Beltway insiders who have their fingers on the pulse of the current political environment. This year’s keynote speaker—back by popular demand—is Charlie Cook, the editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report. Cook is a nationally renowned political analyst who specializes in election forecasts and political trends. He will be on hand to provide his take on the 2020 primary and general elections, as well as to identify opportunities for businesses to make an impact on policy proposals winding their way through Washington.
While the NPC and its staff are charged with working on your behalf, growers themselves are the best advocates for the industry. As a grassroots-driven organization, the NPC’s real strength comes from those who are willing to step up to the plate and fight for themselves and their peers.
To members of Congress, potato growers and industry partners are their constituents. They’re job creators and community leaders. Their views matter. When they get together to speak with one voice, members listen and act. This constructive engagement supports a healthy potato industry, its prosperous family farms, their workers and the overall American economy.
Visit www.nationalpotatocouncil.org to learn more about the 2020 Potato D.C. Fly-In, which will take place Feb. 24-27. There is strength in numbers, so everyone should consider joining the potato team at the Fly-In to help make a difference for our industry. I hope to see you in D.C.!
Can’t attend but want to keep updated on the NPC’s work to promote potatoes in the halls of Congress and with the administration? Subscribe to the NPC’s new podcast, Eye on Potatoes, available now on iTunes and Google Play. Launched at Potato Expo 2020 in Las Vegas, Eye on Potatoes is the place to tune in for conversations with growers and thought leaders on advocacy, production and all things potatoes. Subscribe and tell a friend!