Adam Hollowell, BCI's Senior Trade Policy Specialist, was in Bakersfield, CA this week, overseeing the Japanese audit of the U.S. chipping potato export program. The annual visit with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is a formal requirement of the industry's workplan. BCI's coordination with the USDA and the U.S. potato industry to conduct the audit is vital to keeping the Japanese market open.
During the visit, the inspector reviews industry production and shipping practices, and USDA inspection measures, to ensure compliance with the workplan.