Minnesota Potato Council Considers Termination

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The Minnesota Area II Potato Research and Promotion Council, established in 1991, is considering terminating their research and promotion council and transitioning to a privately funded and operated producer organization. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will hold a public hearing on February 25th to allow for public comment, followed by a vote by the Council's Board of Directors on whether to proceed with the termination.

Why it matters

Commodity councils like the Minnesota Area II Potato Research and Promotion Council play an important role in supporting their respective industries through research and promotion efforts funded by producer checkoff fees. The potential termination of this council could impact the state's potato industry and the resources available for research, marketing, and other initiatives.

The details

The Minnesota Area II Potato Research and Promotion Council has expressed its intent to terminate their research and promotion council and transition to a privately funded and operated producer organization. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has received formal notice of the Council's previous board vote to pursue termination, and is required by state law to hold a public hearing prior to the Council taking final action.

• The public hearing will be held on February 25, 2026 at 9 a.m.
• The Council's Board of Directors will vote on the termination decision at 10 a.m. on February 25, 2026.
• If the Council votes to terminate, the decision will become effective on July 1.

What’s next

If the Minnesota Area II Potato Research and Promotion Council votes to terminate on February 25th, the decision will become effective on July 1.