01/02/09 Potato trade director heading to China with AgForestry program

Farm and Ranch January 2, 2009 It won't be the first time Matt Harris has gone to China. In fact it will be his fifth, but the Director of Trade for the Washington State Potato Commission is still excited about visiting the world's most populous nation later this month with the AgForestry Leadership program he's been participating in. Harris: "Every trip is something new and exciting. For me on t his trip I believe I am going to be able to incorporate some of my contacts I have made with the Potato Commission and look at and examine some of the potato industry issues while I am there in China. I will be able to meet with folks from some of our processing industry. Hopefully I will be able to make contact with the U.S. Embassy. Also make contact with other folks involved with our potato industry so I can rekindle some friendships and also some business relationships." The AgForestry class will depart for China from Seattle January 13th. Harris: "We will spend a few days in Beijing and then we'll fly out to the countryside where we will get a good hands on experience learning about people and business within China." The class then heads for Shanghai where it will depart for Seattle arriving home on January 25th. 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.