Bean Threat from China

 Idaho bean producers, there’s some good business with countries south of the border and funny businesss in China that could affect you.  “A US Dry Bean Council assessment of international threats and opportunities begins at 8 am on Friday, February 19^th., followed by reports on Idaho’s newest pinto, and a progress report on development of a new virus-resistant yellow bean targeted for export to Mexico. Wait…wait…wait international threats on beans? How could that be.? Here’s Diana Caldwell, Administrator of the Idaho Bean Commission whos says one of the speakers is quite knowledgeable about the threat that “Chinese imports are bringing to Idaho, there’ve been some cases of Chinese imported beans being labeled as U.S. grown”. In terms of legitimate operations Diana says that there is a large amount of business in terms of Idaho beans being shipped to Mexico and South America: “Reports from our dealers show that their exports are definitely increasing so that’s encouraging.  A progress report about research into a genetically-modified bean, and collaboration between the US Dry Bean Council and the US Pea and Lentil Council on a joint marketing effort should be of particular interest.”