Latest News from the IPC

Original Source: Tom Karst, thepacker.com

Japan is lifting it 11-year old ban on Idaho fresh chipping potatoes.

Access was revoked in 2006 soon after the Japanese market opened for the first time for U.S. potatoes when the pale potato cyst nematode was found in Idaho.

Japantoday.com reported Sept. 13 that the government of Japan opened the doors for fresh imports from Idaho for the first time since 2006, with Japanese officials citing reduced pest risks associated with the pale potato cyst nematode.

Original Source: potatogrower.com

In an announcement on its website, the Myanmar Ministry of Agriculture formally approved U.S. seed and fresh potatoes for importation as of Aug. 21, 2017. U.S. potatoes are the first U.S.-origin horticulture product to be approved under Myanmar’s pest risk assessment (PRA) requirement, which came into effect on Jan. 1. Potatoes USA experts prepared the potato pest documentation for USDA submission to Myanmar to accelerate the process.

EAGLE, ID, August 18, 2017 – Just days before the 2017 Idaho® potato harvest commences, 308,000 acres of America’s favorite vegetable will be blanketed by the solar eclipse, a rare occurrence when the earth, moon and sun line up perfectly, blocking the sun from the earth’s view. While millions of tourists flock to Idaho to witness the morning sky go dark for approximately two minutes, more than 700 farmers will be preparing to unearth about 13 billion pounds of potatoes in a short six-week window.

EAGLE, ID, August 17, 2017 – Produce industry veteran Dave Rhodes has joined the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) as Retail Promotion Director-Northeast, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. He replaces Ken Tubman, who is retiring after 15 years of service.

Guatemala, El Salvador culinary festivals highlight Idaho® potatoes
International IPC Website Debuts
IPC Latin America Website Gets a Makeover
Idaho Dehy Products Hit China Retail Shelves
Malaysia/Singapore Distributors Get Training in Transportation Risk Mitigation
New IPC Export Infographic Available for Download
Export Tip: When in Rome ...

Two foodservice training programs are rewarded for harnessing the power of popular digital communication platforms to help students excel in hospitality careers

ANNAPOLIS, MD, July 10, 2017 – The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) recognized new methods and breakthroughs in professional foodservice training programs with the 2017 Idaho Potato Commission Leadership Innovation Awards for Excellence in Foodservice Education at the 13th annual Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ) Leadership Conference. The International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach—part of South Carolina’s Horry Georgetown Technical College—hosted the award ceremony on June 22, 2017.

IPC Helps Spur Higher 2016 Demand for U.S.-Grown Potatoes
Export Tip: Protecting Yourself from Non-Payment

EAGLE, ID (June 26, 2017) With National Ice Cream Month fast approaching, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is thrilled to share the best-kept secret ingredient to America’s favorite thick and creamy dessert. You guessed it! Idaho® potatoes! The IPC is featuring multiple Idaho® Potato Ice Cream recipes on their website throughout the month of July in honor of National Ice Cream Month.

EAGLE, ID (June 22, 2017) - On June 15, 2017, Matt Brigotti joined the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) foodservice marketing team as Foodservice Promotions Director for the Northeast and Midwest, based in Richfield, OH.

Eagle, IDAHO (June 13, 2017) - This week Lamb Weston, a leading supplier of frozen potato and vegetable products, announced the launch of its new Grown In Idaho®, brand of potato products. These are the first ever frozen potato products for retail that are made with 100% real Idaho® potatoes.