06/30/06 United looks ahead to new year

Idaho fresh potato growers stepped up to the plate again this year. WRIGHT "Members of the United co-op cut about 18.4 percent of their acres versus their 2004 base. On the other hand non-members did increase and took up a little bit of that slack that we created. Nevertheless we've projected the entire state on fresh acres will be down about 12.4 percent." That's Idaho United CEO Jerry Wright. He told his members, the Potato Growers of Idaho and the Southern Idaho Potato Co-op at a joint meeting this week that their objectives and plans for this year and next should help to strengthen prices. WRIGHT "A year ago at this time growers were returning $2.52 for their crop that cost them $5.75 to grow. Today their returning $6.31, that's $3.67 higher than it was last year." Co-ops nationwide have joined the effort started by Idaho. But with cost increases for fuel, fertilizer and interest rates Idaho growers say they need about $6.50 to break even this year. Wright says they'll try to control acreage and meter in the flow of potatoes for a consistent supply that will help growers get that return for their crop. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott