At Potato Expo 2026, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles said losses are widespread and are not limited to one region or crop type. “Everyone is struggling this year. On average, we are looking at grower losses in the Russet variety of upwards of half a billion dollars, just in that one single variety.” The losses underscore the need for meaningful economic relief from Congress and the administration. “Those type of numbers, that really compels Congress and the administration to weigh in and really provide that true bridge so that growers can survive until the market starts to turn around,” Quarles said the relief could help keep growers in business until longer-term tax and trade policies begin to have an impact.
