Spudman February 2023 - 35

a website for electronic access to the
complete library of the American Potato
Journal from Vol. 1 (published in 1923)
through Vol. 74 (1996), and the American
Journal of Potato Research from Vol. 75
(1997) to the current day. Members have
access to the entire content of articles.
The research carried out by PAA
scientists spans every aspect of potato
growth and development. Desirable
traits are identified in wild potato
species and existing varieties and are
integrated into new varieties using
innovative breeding techniques and
DNA-based technologies. These
new varieties exhibit greater disease
resistance, more desirable tuber shape
and color, improved storability and
better processing qualities. Over the
past 30 years, members of the PAA
have released over 100 new varieties
including Ranger Russet, Umatilla
Russet, Clearwater Russet, Pike,
Goldrush, Lamoka and Dakota Pearl.
As the industry changes, PAA
members help transform how potatoes
are grown and how they are harvested.
Research by the PAA has helped to
develop the best seed cutting and
handling techniques, seed spacing,
INDUSTRY NEWS
USDA EXPANDS ELIGIBILITY, ENHANCES BENEFITS
FOR KEY DISASTER PROGRAMS
The USDA made updates to several
conservation, livestock and crop
disaster assistance programs to give
more farmers, ranchers and tribes the
opportunity to apply for and access
programs that support recovery following
natural disasters.
Specifically, USDA's Farm Service
Agency (FSA) expanded eligibility and
enhanced available benefits for a suite of
its programs. These updates will provide
critical assistance to producers who need
to rebuild and recover after suffering
catastrophic losses of production and
infrastructure due to natural disasters.
Producers impacted by a natural
disaster should report losses and
damages and file an application with their
FSA county office. Timelines for reporting
losses and applying for payments differ
by program.
The updates to these programs build on
other Biden-Harris administration efforts
to improve disaster assistance programs,
including additional flexibility in obtaining
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance
Program basic coverage for socially
disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource
and veteran farmers and ranchers.
FSA announced it would begin
accepting applications for the Emergency
Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and
the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue
Program (PARP) on Jan. 23. Applications
will be accepted through June 2. ERP
Phase Two is designed to fill gaps in the
delivery of program benefits not covered
in ERP Phase One and improves equity
in program delivery to underserved
producers. PARP will help address gaps
in previous pandemic assistance, which
was targeted at price loss or lack of
market access, rather than overall
revenue losses.
Spudman.com 35
Desirable traits are identified in wild
potato species and existing varieties and are
integrated into new varieties using innovative breeding
techniques and DNA-based technologies.
and management practices that
protect and enhance seed production.
PAA research broadens knowledge
of new equipment and techniques
used during the growing season. We
develop knowledge and innovations
to optimize water usage, fertilizers,
pesticides and other inputs to provide
recommendations to producers for
growing a profitable and sustainable
crop. Our scientists develop guidelines
to help farmers harvest the highest
quality potatoes with minimum food
waste and provide our world with
potatoes year-round.
The impact of PAA research
expands beyond the field by providing
guidance on the best potato storage
conditions, including temperature,
pest management treatments and
sprout inhibition. Beyond storage, the
PAA facilitates the adoption of sales
and marketing information to provide
nutritional delicious potatoes for you in
whatever setting you choose to eat them.
Members of the PAA are dedicated
to educating and training the next
generation of potato scientists.
Undergraduate and graduate students
are an important part of our research.
Student members within the PAA
expand their research skills in the
laboratory, the greenhouse and the
field, while being mentored by senior
scientists. Students learn to improve
their communication skills through
presentations at the annual meeting
and participation in the graduate
student competition.
To become a member of the PAA or
to learn more about the society and
the annual meeting, visit us at www.
potatoassociation.org. And come to the
annual meeting in Prince Edward Island
this coming July. We would love to see
you there!
http://www.potatoassociation.org https://ez-tarp.com/ http://www.Spudman.com
Spudman February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spudman February 2023
