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diggin’ in INTERNATIONAL Industry Report Heading South Nicaragua, Brazil hold potential for U.S. seed TERRA VIVA. At Terra Viva’s Chapdão das Emas farm in Tapira, Minas Gerais, the largest and one of the most traditional potato-growing regions in Brazil. From left, Randy Bauscher, Steve Whited, Marcos Bernardi and Klaaus Schoenmaker. Courtesy photo. u.s. seeD Potatoes aRe alReaDy unique because of high-quality, reputable growing techniques and certification process. because of that, the united states Potato board’s international seed export Program has grown, and market share in most target countries has done the same. while building demand internationally, the seed export program seeks to increase grower involvement. through a grant program, matching funds are available from the usPb to defer the initial costs of penetrating new markets. export workshops are conducted to educate u.s. growers about the process. u.s. seed growers are welcome and encouraged to accompany usPb staff and consultants on market development missions to the markets. Current target markets for the americas include brazil, the Dominican Republic, honduras, nicaragua and uruguay. Just this year, the usPb has made strides in tapping into the potential that lies in two of those target markets—brazil and nicaragua. 24 Potato Grower | SEPTEMBER 2010 BRAZIL in February 2010, the usPb and u.s. seed growers toured three of the most important potato production regions in brazil to promote u.s. seed with key growers. there are 20 different potato production regions scattered through the southern and central areas of brazil. leading the delegation were: Randy bauscher, a seed grower from Rupert, idaho; steve whited, a seed grower and former usPb international marketing Committee member from bridgewater, maine; Kevin waller, sales associate with black Gold Farms in Grand Forks, n.D.; edmond missiaen, a usPb consultant in washington, D.C.; J. marcos bernardi, usPb variety trial manager in são João VARGEM GRANDE DO SUL. Potato packing facility in Vargem Grande do Sul, Brazil. Courtesy photo.