Potato Assessment Increase

Dear Sir/Madame: The National Potato Council (NPC) respectfully submits comments on the proposed rule to amend the Potato Research and Promotion Plan (Plan). The NPC fully supports the amendment to the Potato Plan to increase the assessment rate on handlers and importers of potatoes from 2.5 cents to 3 cents per hundredweight. The NPC is the trade association representing more than 90 percent of potato growers in the United States from all sectors of the industry. Founded in 1947, NPC represents potato growers in all 34 states in the United States that produce commercial potatoes. NPC provides a unified voice for potato growers on legislative and regulatory issues which impact industry profitability. The NPC partners on programs with the United States Potato Board (USPB) whenever the project or program is consistent with the Congressional mandate of the USPB. The USPB, which administers the Plan, intends to use the funding from the increase to maintain and expand its promotion, research, advertising and communications programs. We believe the programs administered by the USPB are critical to success and sustainability of potato production in the United States. The value of potato production in the United States exceeds $3.5 billion annually and that economic value is greatly increased as a result of further processing, packing, handling and retailing. The industry is continually faced with obstacles that threaten its ability to remain a competitive, thriving industry. Fortunately, USPB Programs have been successful in increasing demand for US potatoes and potato products in both domestic and international markets. This assessment increase is necessary for the USPB to have the resources to continue to deliver these impactful and measureable results to the potato industry. The NPC believes this is a vital investment in the US potato industry and supports its adoption. Sincerely, John Keeling Executive Vice President & CEO National Potato Council