Potato fields wanted for gleaning in Washington

Farm and Ranch Report September 11, 2009 The potato harvest in Washington is past the half-way mark and that means there are plenty of fields gleaners could get to work in. Brittany Gies with the Washington State Potato Commission says volunteers are wanted for the 2009 Gleaning Project.

Gies: “Well right now we are looking for volunteers to glean fields and for growers to volunteer their fields for gleaning after harvest. Unfortunately we haven‘t had very many growers volunteer their fields for gleaning after harvest. We have had quite a few people volunteer to glean. So Bob I guess we need grower participation more than anything.”

Allowing gleaners into the fields helps food banks fight hunger and Brittany says there is also another benefit.

Gies: “Gleaning also offers field trips for and community service opportunities for schools and churches. Students can even earn required community service credits for scholarships and church programs.”

If you want more information or want to get involved;

Gies: “They would contact me at the Washington State Potato Commission at 509-765-8845.”

If you are interested respond as quickly as you can.

Gies: “We know that harvest is going on right now and once they are done with harvest is the best time for us to go in and glean because we want the potatoes to be as fresh as possible.”

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.