Potato industry gets update on China from Congressman

Farm and Ranch July 3, 2009 The Washington Council on International Trade held a roundtable discussion this week with Washington Congressman Rick Larsen who just returned from a fact-finding trip to China. Matt Harris, Director of the Trade for the Washington State Potato Commission was there, as what Larsen had to say was of interest given that the commission has been trying for some time to get access to China for fresh potatoes. Harris says part of what the congressman had to say was discouraging.

Harris: “It seems as if policies are still going to be very hard to overcome with regard to opening up markets for our agricultural commodities in that country.”

But Harris says Larsen’s insights also had an encouraging side.

Harris: “But what was encouraging was that the U.S. China relationship is strong. There is interest in our economy and that there is a positive interest in that regard as far as strength of our economy and tying that trade relationship between nations.”

There was also the opportunity to discuss other issues with Congressman Larsen, like the Mexican trucking issue, which has led to 20 percent tariffs on the U.S. frozen potato products going into Mexico, a forty million dollar market for Washington growers.

Harris: “It is very timely that he is, along with some of our other Washington delegation, taking special note of this and helping our industry along in seeking a remedy to this problem.”

Pending trade free trade agreements were also discussed with Larsen.

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.