01/30/09 Alberta seed potatoes now okay; Wheat/Barley Commissions merger

Washington Ag January 30, 2009 The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says the U.S. border is now open to seed potato imports from Alberta, Canada. Seed from Alberta had been banned prior to last year's planting season because of the discovery of potato cyst nematode there. The Washington State Potato Commission says the state's growers get about 20 percent of their seed potatoes from Alberta. Hearings were held in Olympia this week on the Washington Wheat Commission and Washington Barley Commission's plan to merge and become the Washington Grain Commission. Eric Maier, state legislative chairman for the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, testified before both House and Senate Agriculture Committees in support of legislation that would allow the merger. In addition to cost savings he told lawmakers: Maier: "The intangible benefits are numerous. With one group representing wheat and barley growers we will be able to speak with a united voice on issues that affect us both. Decision making will be streamlined. The grain industry's level of influence in regional and national affairs will be enhanced. The ability to attract individuals to leadership and staff positions will be improved." Maier told the legislative committees of the grower support for creating the Washington Grain Commission. Maier: "Last March an advisory ballot was sent to nearly 13-thousand farmers and landlords asking them to help guide our effort. Nearly four-thousand ballots were returned with 92% of the respondents voting in favor of the merger." There was no oral testimony opposing the merger. I'm Bob Hoff and that's Washington Ag Today on the Northwest Ag Information Network.