FY27 FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS PRIORITIES

Each year, the federal appropriations process provides an opportunity to ensure that key programs supporting Washington’s potato growers continue to receive the investment and policy support they need. For the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC), that means working closely with our Congressional delegation to advocate for priorities that strengthen research, protect market opportunities, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the Columbia Basin.

During our recent meetings in Washington, D.C., WSPC highlighted three priorities for Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations: continued investment in potato research through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), support for the Columbia Basin Project, and maintaining Congressional direction that ensures potatoes remain accessible in federal school meal programs. Together, these priorities reflect the Commission’s commitment to advancing innovation, protecting growers’ markets, and ensuring agriculture remains strong in Central Washington.

Investing in Potato Research Through NIFA

Research remains one of the most important tools for maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of Washington’s potato industry. Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), federal funding supports research programs that help growers address real-world challenges in the field.

For Fiscal Year 2027, WSPC is requesting $4.5 million in federal funding through NIFA to continue supporting critical potato research initiatives. These investments support work at institutions such as Washington State University, where scientists collaborate closely with growers to improve productivity, reduce pest and disease pressures, and develop more resilient production practices.

Potato research supported through NIFA helps address critical challenges facing the industry—from soil health and water management to disease resistance and crop quality. Continued federal support ensures that researchers and growers can work together to develop solutions that keep Washington potatoes competitive in domestic and international markets.

Advancing the Columbia Basin Project

Few infrastructure investments have shaped Central Washington agriculture more than the Columbia Basin Project. Developed to bring reliable irrigation water to previously arid land, the project transformed the region into one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world. As work continues on the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, planning and analysis remain critical to ensuring the next phase of the project moves forward efficiently. For FY27, WSPC is requesting $400,000 in federal funding to allow the Bureau of Reclamation to continue developing the Columbia Basin Project cost-benefit report in a timely manner. Farmers in the Odessa Subarea have relied on declining groundwater supplies for decades, and transitioning to surface water from the Columbia River is essential to maintaining agricultural production in the region. Completing this analysis is a key step in advancing long-term infrastructure investments that will secure water supplies for farms and rural communities throughout the Columbia Basin.

Protecting Potatoes in School Meal Programs

Potatoes are one of the most nutritious, versatile, and widely consumed vegetables in the United States. Ensuring that they remain fully accessible in federal nutrition programs—particularly school meals—is an important priority for growers. For Fiscal Year 2027, WSPC is requesting Congressional appropriations language directing that potatoes not be prohibited in federal school meal programs. For several years, Congress has included bipartisan language in the Agriculture Appropriations Act ensuring that USDA does not place restrictions on potatoes in the School Breakfast Program. While USDA updated school meal regulations in 2024, confusion remains around how certain vegetables are treated in federal nutrition programs. Maintaining clear Congressional direction helps ensure schools retain flexibility to serve potatoes without unnecessary limitations.

Potatoes provide potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, and they remain a cost-effective option for school nutrition programs nationwide. Protecting access to potatoes in school meals supports both student nutrition and the farmers who produce this important crop.

Advancing Priorities for Washington Growers

The Washington State Potato Commission works closely with policymakers to ensure that federal policies recognize the importance of agriculture in our state and across the country. Investments in research, infrastructure, and nutrition programs all play a role in supporting the growers who produce Washington’s world-class potatoes. As the appropriations process moves forward, WSPC will continue working with members of Washington’s Congressional delegation to advance these priorities and ensure that the needs of potato growers remain front and center. Washington’s potato industry feeds families across the country and around the world. Through continued partnership with federal leaders, we can ensure the industry remains strong, innovative, and competitive for years to come.