Farm and Policy Update with Dean Gibson

This week, host Lane Nordlund sits down with National Potato Council Vice President of Legislative Affairs Dean Gibson and NPC CEO Kam Quarles to analyze pressing issues facing U.S. potato growers as July 2026 comes to a close. The group reviews current growing conditions in Idaho and across the West, examining how hot summer weather, wildfire smoke, and tightening water supplies impact local operations. Kam and Dean recap the successful NPC Summer Meeting in Detroit, held jointly with Potatoes USA, and outline critical policy discussions underway in Washington, D.C. The conversation covers key federal topics, including the upcoming Senate Farm Bill markup, specialty crop economic relief, USMCA trade protections, and agricultural labor reform. Key Highlights:2026 Crop and Harvest Outlook: Dean shares updates on western growing conditions, regional water scarcity, and the start of the 2026 crop harvest. Detroit Summer Meeting Recap: They reflect on strong industry turnout, collaboration with Potatoes USA, and key business discussions in Motor City. Senate Farm Bill Developments: Kam analyzes the path forward for a bipartisan Farm Bill, contrasting agricultural production spending with federal nutrition programs. Specialty Crop Relief: The panel addresses rising input costs, depressed commodity returns, and the ongoing push for targeted federal disaster and economic assistance. Trade and Labor Priorities: Kam and Dean discuss the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and advocate for practical labor solutions for farm operations and packing sheds.