Growers on Capitol Hill for Potato D.C. Fly-In

Growers on Capitol Hill for Potato D.C. Fly-In

Russell Nemetz
Russell Nemetz
This week, potato growers and industry leaders from across the nation, including right here in this region, are back in Washington, D.C. for the National Potato Council's Potato D.C. Fly-In.

Britt Raybould is the National Potato Council's president from Rexburg, ID and says the fly-in is very important to the U.S. potato industry.

"It's so critical for growers to come to Washington, D.C., because often times these folks don't have a direct connection to farmers" said Raybould. "And so by having someone who does this on a day-to-day basis, come and sit down with him, ask questions, provide information, you create a situation where that individual has a one to one contact that they wouldn't otherwise have."

She explains what some of the National Potato Council's legislative priorities are.

"Trade, of course, is at the top of the list" said Raybould. "We've had some really excellent successes in the last few months related to trade, but that is just the beginning of what we foresee as the potential for the U.S. potato industry and we hope to continue our efforts there. We also think there's an opportunity to pursue improvements in our transportation and infrastructure. And then, of course, there's always the nutrition aspect. It's important to get the message out there that potatoes are an important and valuable part of everyone's daily diet."

For more information about the National Potato Council visit www.nationalpotatocouncil.org or like them on Facebook.

Photo Credit: National Potato Council

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