10/15/08 IPC makes the Asian trip

Idaho Agriculture is well represented. The Idaho Department of Agriculture is there. The Idaho Barley Commission and Idaho Potato Commission have sent representatives to Asia this week as part of Governor Butch Otter's trade mission. Potato Commission CEO Frank Muir says it's important to expand markets for Idaho potatoes and going with Otter, a former Simplot Company executive, is an added bonus. MUIR "At whatever level he is speaking at in the country folks listen. He's got credibility. He's very interesting to listen to. He can talk from the farmer level all the way up to the marketing level and every aspect of the potato business. That really goes a long way when you're talking with decision makers." It's a long way to ship fresh Idaho potatoes to places like Hong Kong and Macau but Muir says the markets are there, the demand is there. Macau is now the Las Vegas of Asia. MUIR "And these hotels are demanding the premium products. We have a distributor now both in Hong Kong and Macau." He'll use the trip to strengthen ties with restaurant chains and stores in east Asia that are now selling Idaho potatoes while seeking new markets and opportunities. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott