Fresh potato reverse trade mission visits Washington

Farm and Ranch October 2, 2009 Importers from Malaysia and the Philippines were in Washington state this week touring the potato industry as part of a table stock reverse trade mission led by the U.S. Potato Board in cooperation with the Washington State Potato Commission.

Mahler: “To learn more about U.S. table stock potatoes so that they can import them into their country and sell them to retailers and chefs.”

That’s Sarah Mahler, a manager of International Marketing for the Potato Board, who says Malaysia currently imports a lot of U.S. potatoes.

Mahler: “And the Philippines does not currently allow U.S. potatoes to enter the market that are fresh. So in the Philippines we are working with importers right now to help encourage the government to allow us to have access to that market so that we can begin importing fresh potatoes.”

Mahler says the trade mission participants were able to see many aspects of the potato industry.

Mahler: “Visiting some fields, some packing facilities, storages. We were able to see some harvest. Just get a closer look at potatoes from the field to the store.”

The group also visited facilities in Oregon and then headed to California.

Mahler: “And once we are in California we will attend the Produce Marketing Association trade show and have a seminar with U.S. growers.”

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.

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