Potato Grower

WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 37 WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 37 year, the potato industry received $2 million in funding. Growers reported that their lawmakers were receptive and eager to continue the funding. TPP The Obama administration is seeking approval from Congress for TPP, which is an Asia-Pacific regional free trade agreement with 11 other countries. The agreement will give the potato industry the ability to be more competitive by eliminating tariffs in key markets where U.S. exports are valued at $1.05 billion. Although there are some doubts that this bill will be voted on by the end of the 114th Congress, the NPC believes that the personal interaction between growers and lawmakers increased the chances of it happening. VOLUNTARY GMO LABELING Fly-In attendees did an effective job of communicating their concerns over the negative effects of state-mandated food labeling regulations. Growers told their elected representatives that genetically modified foods are equally safe for consumers and the environment as conventionally bred food and that a patchwork of state laws will cost American families hundreds of dollars for groceries each year. NPC believes that this message was heard loud and clear and will encourage Republicans and Democrats to work out a compromise that will establish federal preemption for food labeling. Vermont's mandatory labeling law could go into effect in July unless Congress steps in and passes a national labeling law. POLLINATOR HEALTH The EPA is being urged by environmental activists to limit the use of neonicotinoids in agriculture, claiming they are responsible for declining health in pollinators. Neonicotinoids are a valuable pesticide tool for potato growers, and restricting their use could bring negative impacts to grower operations. The scientific community has reviewed extensive studies carried out by registrants on possible impacts on the pollinators, and there is no scientific evidence, when used according to the label, that neonicotinoids pose a threat to the bee population. Potato growers noted this fact to EPA officials and said the biggest threats were coming from other areas such as habitat conditions and the varroa mite. WOTUS In March 2014, the EPA revised the definition of what constitutes the federal jurisdiction over waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). The new WOTUS rule developed by the EPA is the subject of litigation seeking to vacate the rule. At a meeting with EPA officials, growers expressed their concerns that the new rule will subject additional areas of their farms to regulation by the federal government. EPA officials believe that the exemptions contained in the rule for normal farming practices will protect farming operations. Both the court challenges initiated by agriculture interests and the interests in Congress to void the WOTUS rule indicate that many do not agree with the EPA's position. The common theme at the conclusion of every meeting at the Fly-In was the deep gratitude expressed by lawmakers and regulators to potato industry professionals who chose to take the opportunity to engage with members of Congress and government officials who impact public policy. By joining with others in the industry and making their voices heard through personal stories from the farm, attendees made a real difference for their industry. The grassroots power shown at the 2016 Fly-In will help create the momentum to have a positive impact on the outcome of these and other issues during the last eight months of the 114th Congress. 158949TriSte12h.indd 1 1/28/16 3:42 PM the last eight months of the 114th Congress.

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