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Earlier last month, Potatoes USA hosted reverse trade mission (RTM) delegations of seed buyers, growers, and government plant-health officials from markets with strong export opportunities for U.S. growers. Representatives from Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America learned about the advantages of importing U.S.-grown seed potatoes to their respective markets.
The week opened in Denver with a one-day seed symposium. Variety owners — the universities and seed companies that hold intellectual property rights for varieties they developed — presented the varieties best suited to each market, while the international guests gave overviews of production in their home countries.
Following the symposium, the group split into two tours. One traveled to Idaho and the other to North Carolina to see U.S. seed production firsthand, including state seed certification programs, university research and experiment stations, and working seed farms.
Idaho group at a fingerling packaging facility
Advantages for U.S. Growers
What sets U.S. seed potatoes apart comes down to quality, a diverse range of varieties, strong, transparent certification standards, and timing, said Tim Rendall, Director of Production Research at Potatoes USA. “It’s a variety match and a timing match. We can grow the right product at the right time to meet a market’s needs.”
Global demand for seed potatoes is high, and U.S. growers have an advantage in Central America. Because of their proximity, U.S. growers can get varieties to Central American markets much faster than European suppliers, who currently own significant market share. African markets also represent opportunity for U.S. growers due to large population growth projected in the coming decades.
Helping U.S. Growers Take Advantage of Export Opportunities
Potatoes USA’s Seed Export Program helps expand export opportunities for U.S. seed potato growers through in-country trials, field demonstrations, and international buyer engagement. The program provides resources to support growers entering export markets.
“The potato industry is globalizing, and everything is getting more competitive,” said Tim. “There are opportunities for U.S. growers to participate in the global market at a higher level and gain market share. For growers, it’s both a new challenge and opportunity with a lot of potential reward.”
Growers interested in participating in Potatoes USA’s Seed Export Program can contact *@*********sa.com“>Tim Rendall at or Anna Sostarecz.