Over 125 potato industry members from across the U.S. will be in Washington D.C. to address key issues like trade, research, nutrition and agricultural labor. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says potato growers will get an update from Cook Political Report analyst Charlie Cook.

Trade will also be addressed during the meeting, with an update from the Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Gregg Doud. Recently, the USDA announced U.S. chipping potatoes would be allowed to enter Japan year-round. Also, the U.S. and China phase one deal is in effect. “There are provisions in the agreement for chip potato access to China. The federal government is working with Chinese counterparts. They’re having about daily calls to hammer out how it will work. We are hopeful to have good news in the next few days,” Doud explained.