"Spud Nation," a report published by Evocati PR client the National Potato Council, was featured in AgriPulse and The Packer, hailed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, while garnering nearly 18 million impressions in less than two weeks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2023

Contact: cheryl.endres@evocatillc.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Evocati PR successfully launched a national campaign in February to raise awareness of the historic and sizable economic contributions of the American potato industry. The campaign included web and print design, social media amplification, media relations, and ad-buys coalescing around a call-to-action to inform policymakers, and all Americans, that the U.S. is a "spud nation."

Evocati PR's efforts led to features in national publications like The Packer and AgriPulse, plus coverage on radio and broadcast television. Across publications and social media, "Spud Nation" attracted nearly 18 million impressions through the first two weeks of its release. Evocati PR also designed and deployed an interactive landing page for all Americans to learn and witness the important role potatoes provide in a dynamic global economy.

"This was an important campaign for our company as it brought to bear all the services we offer as a small business to lift up the voice of American growers," said Evocati PR President and Founder Barrett Y. Bogue. "From providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and supplying nutritious meals for all Americans, potatoes play an essential role in our country. We're extremely proud to work with NPC to amplify their message and work with America's agriculture industry."  

The report, "Measuring the Economic Significance of the U.S. Potato Industry," found that America's favorite vegetable was responsible for $100.9 billion in economic activity in 2021, generated nearly 720,000 domestic jobs, and contributed $53.5 billion annually toward U.S. GDP. The findings demonstrate how vital the potato industry is for the nation’s economic well-being as it boosts job creation, supports small businesses across industries, contributes to agricultural production, and ensures access to healthy food options for all Americans.

In an address to potato growers in Washington, D.C., during NPC's annual Washington Summit on March 1, 2023, USDA Secretary Vilsack thanked them for their contributions to the economy and noted the tremendous opportunity to grow the industry via international trade.

The campaign by Evocati PR demonstrated how important it is for communities throughout rural America where potato production is concentrated—particularly in states like Idaho where nearly one-third of all potatoes consumed nationwide are grown on family farms— to receive continued support from lawmakers and consumers. To wit, eight percent of all U.S. House Districts host a farming operation.

“The team at Evocati was instrumental in conveying this impressive information in uniquely accessible formats to serve all our intended audiences," said NPC CEO Kam Quarles. "High-quality customized website graphics told a powerful story that was amplified by a highly structured press conference, targeted media outreach, multiplatform social media campaign, and collateral material. Their approach was comprehensive and executed precisely.”

Evocati PR is proud to support NPC and looks forward to providing even more purpose-driven public relations for underrepresented communities in America.

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About Evocati PR
Founded in 2018, Evocati Public Relations partners with leading businesses to research, market, and grow their impact through purpose-driven public relations. Its mission is to empower any business with a cost-efficient means to communicate, activate, and inspire underrepresented and underserved communities. Evocati PR is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business that operates in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Learn more at evocatillc.com.