01/17/06 2005 Potato Man of the Year

Potato growers have something to smile about these days and many of them credit Albert Wada of Pingree for that. Wada was one of nearly two dozen growers who formed the United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho co-op about a year ago. WADA  " I guess I tended to open my mouth more than the others did and so they appointed me as chairman and that's how I guess I came to be at the floor of this whole." Wada is chairman of the national umbrella cooperative, United of America, under which Idaho and other regional groups operate. For what was described at his 'tireless effort and great personal sacrifice' Wada received the 2005 Potato Man of the Year Award at the recent National Potato Council's annual meeting. United Fresh of Idaho represents 91 percent of the state's fresh potato acreage. Their goal is to stabilize production and market the crop in an orderly manner. Wada says they did exceed their own expectations when their campaign when nationwide and into Canada. WADA  " The need was there, the time was right, the motivation levels were high, the message just needed to be spread. Everyone is catching on to that message." One industry leader says Wada did 'more in one year to unite potato growers across North America and resorting profitability to potato growing than any other person in history.' Wada says the job is only started; they have to keep it going this year and in the years to come. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott