The 2026 WA/OR Potato Conference exceeded all expectations and continued to set new standards for the potato industry.

Washington potato growers are invited to attend the 44th Annual Western Washington Potato Workshop on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., hosted in person at WSU’s Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center (NWREC) in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Fourth-generation Pasco, Washington potato grower Jared Balcom has been named the 2026 Potato Person of the Year by The Packer and the National Potato Council, recognizing his long-standing leadership and advocacy on behalf of U.S. potato growers.

Washington state’s Refrigerant and Air-Conditioning Management Platform (RAMP) has completed recent system updates, and all functions are now available. Growers and facility operators can now register facilities and submit required annual reports through the platform. This update is particularly relevant for potato storage facilities that fall under the state’s medium facility category.

Mark your calendars and register now! The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) is excited to announce our 3rd annual FREE Potato Academy, taking place February 13, 2026, at the Best Western Hotel located at 3000 W Marina Drive, Moses Lake, Washington, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Washington State Potato Foundation (WSPF) is now accepting applications for its Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program for the 2026–27 school year. This opportunity is designed to support students from potato growing regions who are pursuing careers in agriculture.

Washington State University (WSU) is conducting a survey titled Insect Pest Management Practices: National Survey of Potato Growers as part of a large multi-state research project aimed at better understanding U.S. potato growers’ experiences, decision-making, and perspectives related to insect pest management including concerns about regulatory uncertainty and potential restrictions on neonicotinoid use.