Mexican potato producers report irregular US potato imports in Sinaloa

The National Confederation of Potato Producers (Conpapa) has reported the discovery of American potatoes, allegedly entered into Mexico irregularly, abandoned in agricultural fields in Ahome, Sinaloa. The product, identified as the Gold Emblem HT brand, Russet variety originating from Idaho, USA, was located on July 28 near drainage tracks and plots adjacent to Ejido 20 de Noviembre Viejo and the Rosendo G. Castro neighborhood.

Following a report by the Los Mochis Potato Producers Association (APPLM), Conpapa filed a formal complaint with the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica). In response, Senasica instructed the Local Plant Health Board of Valle del Fuerte to implement containment protocols to mitigate risks to Mexican soil and crops. Conpapa confirmed that the material was collected and destroyed under notary supervision to facilitate future legal actions.

Conpapa president Gildardo González stated that while Senasica’s response was “immediate and effective,” the agency requires permanent strengthening. The organization is calling on the Mexican government to increase the budget, personnel, and surveillance infrastructure for phytosanitary regulators to protect the nation’s agricultural biosecurity and plant health.