05/03/06 Mexican delegation to come to Idaho

The Idaho Bean Commission will be hosting a Mexican delegation beginning May 14th and signing agreements with them to grow Idaho bean seed in two Mexican states. Over 800 pounds of certified Idaho bean seed will soon be on its way to Mexico. 16 popular US varieties of black and pinto beans will be planted next to Mexican varieties in early June. The seven Mexican industry representatives coming to Idaho will tour Magic Valley and Treasure Valley fields and warehouse in addition to having a luncheon with Farm Bureau members. The Bean Commission, Farm Bureau and the governor's trade missions dating back six years have all involved attempts at opening up the bean seed market in Mexico. And there's good news on the domestic front. USDA ag economist Gary Lucier says on average Americans are eating more dry beans, reversing a five year trend that bottomed out in 2004 when the introduction of the low-carb diets. LUCIER "Started to come back in 2005 and expected to again continue rising in 2006 to about 6.7 pounds per person." Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott