U.S. potato leaders applaud expanded fresh access to Mexico
The National Potato Council is welcoming the news that the first shipments of U.S. fresh potatoes crossed into Mexico beyond the previous 26-kilometer border restriction on May 11.
The successful crossings signal the start of Mexico’s process to restore full market access for U.S. fresh potatoes after decades of disputes and legal obstructions, according to a news release.
“This is an important moment for the U.S. potato industry and our partners in the federal government who have fought for decades to restore access to this vital market, but we know the work is not over if we are to keep the border open,” NPC president and Washington state potato grower Jared Balcom said in the release.
The shipments, the release said, come after more than 25 years of regulatory and legal obstructions by Mexico, and one year after the Mexican Supreme Court ruled unanimously that U.S. fresh potatoes were legally authorized to be imported.
“Today’s news wouldn’t be possible without the tireless work of Secretary Tom Vilsack, Ambassador Katherine Tai, and their outstanding teams at USDA and USTR,” NPC CEO Kam Quarles said in the release. "Both agencies have made the restoration of U.S. potato access a top U.S. trade priority. We thank them for getting us to this important step and we will need their continued partnership to ensure that the border remains open as we seek to grow the Mexican market for potatoes.”
Mexico is the largest export market for U.S. potatoes and products valued at $394 million in 2021, the release said.
Despite the previous restriction to the 26-kilometer border region, Mexico was the second-largest market for fresh potato exports in 2021, accounting for 124,449 metric tons valued at $60 million last year, the release said.
The U.S. potato industry estimates that access to the entire country for fresh U.S. potatoes will provide a market potential of $250 million per year, in five years.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack celebrated the success of expanded U.S. fresh potato trade to Mexico in a statement.
“Through this accomplishment, we are delivering better markets for U.S. farmers, supporting economic growth, and providing access to our southern neighbors to the high-quality and safe products our farmers work hard every day to grow and sustain," Vilsack said in the statement. "USDA will continue to fight for new and expanded markets for American products as we help the nation build back better."
