05/28/08 Farm Bill, potatoes

The new farm bill should benefit the Idaho potato industry. Idaho Potato Commission CEO Frank Muir said there are several reasons they endorsed the legislation. MUIR "There is increased emphasis on specialty crops, fruits and vegetables, particularly in the nutritional education side. There's also some school programs that we think would benefit potatoes. The farm bill is consistent with the USDA's My Pyramid which potatoes are featured prominently on My Pyramid." The farm bill has some local block grant money and food safety funding. Muir says they could also be part of the education program for increased consumption of potatoes. MUIR "And we also applaud the country of origin labeling modifications. We think consumers do want to know where their produce is grown and where it comes from." Muir applauds USDA for correcting what he calls an oversight in not including potatoes in the Women Infants and Children program. MUIR "There reason for omission is the rational is because consumers already eat a lot of potatoes so they don't really need to encourage WIC to do so." He says USDA missed the point; those are the people who need more nutrition and potatoes can provide that. Leaving them out sends a message that potatoes aren't nutritious. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott