05/18/05 United campaign goes nationwide and ?

When some of Idaho largest growers banded together to form a co-op they never expected the ball to roll as quickly and as far as it has. United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho executive director Jerry Wright says it's turned into a national organization. Washington and Oregon growers have joined the effort. WRIGHT "Colorado is up to speed and participating. The Klamath region is participating right now. Southern California and Arizona are organizing into a southwestern district. Wisconsin is organizing and at this point they have probably 50 percent of the acres in Wisconsin involved." And they're getting Canadian members too. WRIGHT "85 percent of their acres in Prince Edward Island involved and I also know that New Brunswick is forming. We anticipate having a meeting in June where we'll be able to talk to the other provinces. In short order we'd really like to see a United of North America." Wright says there are short term problems that can be solved but long term something has to change. WRIGHT "Without some really good controls and some discipline on the part of farmers planting what is really demanded and then going back on the consumption end of this equation and increasing consumer's consumption." And a host of new diets, less demand for French fries or potato chips and a changing demographic are all part of the overall decline in potato consumption. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott