Washington - The government of Japan has decided to end a decades-old ban on imports of fresh potatoes from the United States, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced in a February 21 news release.

"Japan's decision is welcome news for U.S. potato growers," Johanns said.  "This announcement is an important step in the resumption of trade in fresh potatoes with Japan and underscores the importance of following science-based guidelines that facilitate the safe international trade of agricultural products."

U.S. potato shipments will be allowed to enter the Japanese market on a conditional basis, according to the release.  Shipments may be sent between February and June, and the potatoes will be used for potato chips.

Japan imposed import restrictions on potato imports from the United States in 1950 because of concerns about potato wart disease and cyst nematode, a pest insect.  It agreed to a conditional removal of the ban after the United States gave notice that it has eliminated the potato wart bacteria and contained the cyst nematode in a limited area.

Imports will be accepted from 14 states:  Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.  U.S. facilities in these states must undergo final inspections before shipments can begin.

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Following is the full text of the announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

United States Department of Agriculture
Office of Communications
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C.  20250-1300

Telephone:  (202) 720-4623
E-mail:  oc.news@usda.gov
Web:  http://www.usda.gov/

Release No. 0050.06

Contact:
Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623
John Rice (202) 720-9445

JOHANNS ANNOUNCES JAPAN OPENS MARKET TO FRESH U.S. POTATOES

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2006 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that Japan will end its decades-old ban on the import of U.S. fresh potatoes.

"Japan's decision is welcome news for U.S. potato growers," said Johanns at a meeting of the National Potato Council.  "This announcement is an important step in the resumption of trade in fresh potatoes with Japan and underscores the importance of following science-based guidelines that facilitate the safe international trade of agricultural products."

Japan is the largest U.S. export market for frozen potatoes, with purchases of over $164 million in 2004.  The decision will apply to potatoes shipped between February and June, which will be used to produce potato chips.  Japan banned potato imports in 1950 due to phytosanitary concerns relating to the potato wart bacteria and the cyst nematode.  The decision to conditionally lift the import ban follows a notice from the United States that it has eliminated the potato wart bacteria and has contained the cyst nematode to a limited area.

After sending experts to the United States last summer for inspections, Japan has authorized imports of potatoes from 14 states:  Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.  Final inspections of United States facilities will be required before shipments can begin.  Thus far, inspections have been completed in Idaho, Texas and California and the first shipment from Idaho is expected to arrive in Japan in March.

Exports during the first year may be limited until additional Japanese processors are approved to import U.S. potatoes.  USDA and the U.S. potato industry will work to expand the number of U.S. approved facilities and the number of states allowed to ship to Japan.