Congress Pushes for U.S. Fresh Potato Access to Japan

Bipartisan letter urges Trump Administration to prioritize market opening during Japanese PM's visit

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The National Potato Council welcomed a bipartisan, bicameral letter sent to President Trump by 68 members of Congress, urging the Administration to prioritize opening Japan's market to U.S. fresh table stock potatoes during Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's visit to the United States. The letter notes that gaining fresh potato access to Japan would result in an estimated $150 million in new annual U.S. exports, establishing Japan as the largest export market for U.S. fresh potatoes outside of North America.

Why it matters

Despite the U.S. first requesting access more than 30 years ago, Japan continues to delay substantive technical discussions. Securing this long-delayed market access would provide a significant boost to U.S. potato growers, especially those facing economic challenges due to low market prices and high input costs.

The details

The letter, led by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), states that U.S. potato growers produce the best potatoes in the world and Japan represents a massive market with significant export opportunities. According to a 2024 study, approximately 20% of U.S.-grown potatoes are exported, contributing $4.8 billion to the American economy and supporting 34,000 domestic jobs.

  • The National Potato Council Board of Directors recently passed a resolution during its 2026 Washington Summit, urging the Trump Administration to address the issue with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae during any upcoming meetings.

The players

National Potato Council

A trade association representing U.S. potato growers and industry stakeholders.

Mike Crapo

U.S. Senator from Idaho and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

Ron Wyden

U.S. Senator from Oregon and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Brett Jensen

NPC Vice President of Trade Affairs and a potato grower from Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Greg Harris

NPC Vice President of Finance and potato grower from Boardman, Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“U.S. family farmers are facing an economic crisis fueled by low market prices and high input costs. I want to thank Senator Crapo for his leadership in urging the Trump Administration to apply political pressure to Japan to finally end more than 30 years of delays.”

— Brett Jensen, NPC Vice President of Trade Affairs and potato grower (National Potato Council news release)

“Opening this market would provide an immediate boost to the family farms in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation. We appreciate Senator Wyden's dedication to breaking down these long-standing trade barriers. This bipartisan effort sends a clear message that the U.S. expects Japan to honor its trade commitments and provide a level playing field for our producers.”

— Greg Harris, NPC Vice President of Finance and potato grower (National Potato Council news release)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.