The United States Potato Board is no more.  Instead the board has chosen Potatoes USA as their new business name.

This new update comes as a result of a recently created mission and strategic plan to “strengthen demeaned for U.S. potatoes.”  The organization promotes potatoes in all their forms and hopes to make potatoes exciting!  Their new goals include making a positive change in the potato industry through innovation, collaborative and inspiring approaches in marketing, education and research.

The new strategic plan for Potatoes USA includes the collective input of over 450 members of the United States potato industry, Potatoes USA staff and the Board’s agency representatives from around the world. Thoughts, ideas, wants, needs and desires were presented and documented over an 18-month period beginning the summer of 2014.

With access and utilization of over $6 million in USDA funding annually, Potatoes USA works in more than 20 countries around the world. Exports of U.S. potatoes have experienced unprecedented growth over the past 30 years and now account for 18 percent of production.

“In the United States, Potatoes USA is the leading organizer of potato nutrition, research, education and varietal development,” said Potatoes USA President and CEO Blair Richardson. “We will have a positive impact on long-term demand, consumer awareness, research efforts and utilization of our potatoes by foodservice and retail operators, consumers and other entities.”

“Potatoes USA is ready to fight for the future of this industry and will take an aggressive approach in doing so,” added Potatoes USA Chairman Mike Pink. He is one of the 2,500 farmers and grows potatoes in Pasco, WA. “The potato is an essential part of the American diet and should be something people can enjoy with pride. With its new strategic plan, mission and business name, Potatoes USA is prepared to lead the way.”