Potato Growers Heading to D.C

Potato growers are ramping up advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., to address transportation, labor, and policy challenges affecting the industry. Gary Shields, executive director, Northland Potato Growers Association, says federal policy remains a top priority for maintaining a competitive and sustainable sector.  “After our Northland Potato Growers annual meeting, four of us will be flying out representing Northland Potato Growers to Washington, D.C.,and talk about the issues that are at hand,” said Shields. “One in particular right now is non-domicile CDL renewal; we need trucks, we need drivers. They’re painting with a broad brush. We understand the safety issues that are going on, but we need to fix the problem.”