01/20/09 Idaho potatoes now

There have been lots of recent warnings about potatoes not bringing the revenue that they should and growers have been advised by many experts to reduce plantings. Frank Muir, President and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, reports after recently attending the National Potato Council meeting in San Antonio. (Muir) "There were a lot of presenters talking about industry trends, some of the challenges due to the economy we're facing right now and the position of potatoes within the economy. While there is some negative impact on potatoes consumption in recent weeks we are also seeing potato prices holding firm at higher prices than they've been in the last 3 years which is encouraging. We're not seeing the price gains that have been taken by the growers during the last 2 years being given back. We also see trends in the food service side, fine dining, people are not going to fine dining as much as they have but they still don't have any more time so we are seeing shifts from the more expensive restaurants to more quick service restaurants. We are anticipating seeing more in home use which would drive more retail potatoes. We see the financial viability of potatoes as healthy or healthier than it's been in years. As growers look to next year, it's best to be reasonable and rational."