Mike Pearson takes a look at the 16th annual Potato Expo held in Austin, Texas by the National Potato Council.

Buds were the center of attention as over 200,000 people from across the USA and 18 foreign countries gathered together.

The number of education and business sessions were doubled at the Potato Expo and one top that was on the minds of many was public policy and how it will impact the next farm bill.

The biggest thing on many attendees minds was expanding the international trade. The goal for many is to open new markets. However, it will take time to grow the markets.

One new market that has opened up for fresh potatoes is Mexico.

Another big item at the expo was AI when it comes to potatoes.

There was also a cooking competition at the Potato Expo and an auction to fund the Potato Leaf Council.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.