10/18/06 Joe Guenthner, spud economist

Joe Guenthner grew up on a potato farm and he watched prices take the roller coaster ride, up one year, down the next. That's how he got interested in what is now his profession, agriculture economics. Doctor Guenthner says Idaho has a lot going for it, especially with the potato industry. GUENTHNER "It's full of bright innovative people and when we have problems in the industry our bright innovative people solve them." But it's the product that's important to consumers and let's face it, in this country almost everyone equates potatoes with Idaho. GUENTHNER "So the emphasis in the Idaho industry is on quality and I think that will continue. And I think that gives us a competitive edge in the marketplace. So I'm bullish on the Idaho potato industry but I'm also bullish on the global potato industry." Doctor Joe Guenthner says worldwide demand for potatoes is increasing and for good reason. He thinks it's the perfect food. GUENTHNER "They can produce a lot more calories per acre of land with a crop of potatoes than with wheat, rice or anything else." Guenthner says there's a new trend. The United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho, a cooperative effort, is gaining market power and helping to raise the price that spud farmers are getting. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott