12/12/08 Potato group visits California USDA research facility

Farm and Ranch December 12, 2008 The search for new research ideas took a group of six people from Washington's potato industry to the USDA's Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California last week. Three members of the Washington State Potato Commission along with a research committee member made the trip. So did the Commission's Director of Research Andy Jensen. Jensen: "Well, we were there to visit with a group of scientists who work on nutrition related issues, food chemistry and food processing. Talking with them, brainstorming about new research ideas that our commission might pursue with them. Looking at new food products or new angles on nutrition or other food related research." The Potato Commission could help fund some research at the center in Albany. Jensen: "They are the scientists who have a lot experience working on other food type products. We have asked them to use their creativity and knowledge to come up with some ideas for us and then we would partner with them in research and funding to do something new and exciting for our potato industry." That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.