Mexico receives first shipment of U.S. fresh potatoes in 25 years

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Mexico receives first shipment of U.S. fresh potatoes in 25 years

Mexico has received its first shipment of U.S. fresh potatoes in 25 years.

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says it’s a great first step to restoring full market access after decades of disputes and legal obstructions.

“We’ve been pushing very hard to get to this door being cracked open (and) got that word (last) week, and now we just want to build that market out in the future and keep this door open.”

He tells Brownfield the U.S. will compete with the Mexican potato industry which he calls very powerful and very politically connected.

“We’re cautiously optimistic. The door is being cracked open, but we need to have the full support of the U.S. government, which we think we have, in order to keep it open.”

He credits the Biden administration, especially Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai, for making the restoration of U.S. potato access a top priority.

Quarles says the market potential for fresh potato access into Mexico is estimated at around $250 million per year by 2027.

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