03/30/06 Seeking bean seed markets

The Idaho Bean Commission will grow another test plot of dry beans in Mexico. This year the seed will be planted in the state of Chihuahua which has a dry climate similar to Idaho. Last year a test plot of Idaho bean seed was planted near the coast in the state of Sinaloa. Bean commissioner Brent Zeyer says the results were great but the people who buy pinto beans don't live in that part of Mexico. Zeyer and other commissioners need new seed markets. That's why they're spending time in Mexico and in North Dakota, the nation's commercial dry bean leader. ZEYER "It is totally differently than in Mexico. In Mexico we try to educate them on the value of Idaho seed." Zeyer and other Idaho growers who depend on irrigation water can't compete with Dakota growers who are selling quality commercial beans at a much lower price. That's why is so important to develop seed markets so growers can turn their attention to seed production and away from commercial beans. ZEYER "Markets have already been established by companies that have been around doing seed for a long time. It's difficult." Idaho representatives were in Mexico in January to meet with government officials and potential buyers. For the second time in as many years more than a half dozen Mexican officials will come to Idaho in May to tour bean fields as the commission tries to strengthen relationships that will lead to seed contracts. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott