News

Potato growers urge farm bill passage, additional measures to remain competitive    

The newly elected National Potato Council President says growers are cautiously optimistic passing a new farm bill and increasing exports will provide new opportunities this year.

Michigan farmer Ben Sklarczyk tells Brownfield producers want USDA programs to be accessible for specialty crops throughout the farm bill.

“Making sure that they can continue to recapture benefit for all the good practices that we do, making sure that it doesn’t get left off as specialty crops have some more unique practices that we utilize versus row crop operations,” he says needs to be considered.

He says farmers need access to labor and affordable inputs to keep prices competitive with imported products.

“Making sure we can have cost containment to keep the imports at bay is a good way to help strengthen and keep the industry strong,” he says.

The third-generation farmer produces hydroponic seed potatoes in northern Michigan, supplying farmers in the U.S. and globally.

A recent survey by the National Potato Council found more than half of growers believe federal ag labor policy is a significant threat to their competitive position, and more than 65 percent said input costs are the largest factor impacting their business.