New commissioner wants to help set the record straight on potato nutrition

Farm and Ranch July 24, 2009 Othello, Washington potato grower Nick Johnson says the best way for him to learn and the quickest way to learn what not to do, is to jump in with both feet and go through trial by fire. Well, Johnson has jumped in to become a leader in the state’s potato industry.

Johnson attended the Potato Leadership Institute back in February. He was so well liked by his peers they chose him as the leader to return next year to mentor the next class. And then;

Johnson: “I was asked by our executive to consider running for the Potato Commission. I considered it and fortunately the commission thought I would be a good member and I was voted on. So, I am ready to do my part.”

As a Potato Commission member a part Johnson wants to fill is educating the public about the nutritional value of potatoes.

Johnson: “There’s a lot of misconceptions about potatoes and people think they are not good for you. It‘s quite opposite of that fact. I think what people don‘t realize is that the more toppings you add to any foodstuff the less healthy it is going to get. For whatever reason potatoes just seem to have a bad wrap. It would be great to see that image go away and the true image be more prevalent, that potatoes are very nutritious.”

Johnson says any industry needs the people who will take the time to step up and to do battle for it. He is now one of them.

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.