03/16/07 WSPC pushes spuds in NYC

Farm and Ranch March 16, 2007 Just about everything you need to operate a restaurant was on display at the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York earlier this month and that included potatoes from Washington state. The only potato display in over 600 exhibits. Karen Bonaudi, Assistant Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission says this was the first time the Commission showcased the state's potatoes at this event. Bonaudi: "Matt Harris, our Director of Trade, who does trade shows around the country, decided that this would be a good one to try because of the increased opportunity that RailEx has presented for example, to actually transport potatoes to the east coast market." Bonaudi says the over 18-thousand industry professionals who attended the show included chefs, produce buyers and people who run culinary schools, all the right target audience for the Potato Commission. Bonaudi: "We served Washington French fries and also had a display of our fresh potatoes from Washington. We had whites, reds, purples, and of course Russets. The fresh potatoes were really a draw to the booth." Helping out in the booth in addition to Bonaudi and Matt Harris were Commissioners Ted Tschirky and Angela Pixton. Matt Harris says that the Trade & Market Access Committee will be reviewing this new event to see if the involvement of the Potato Commission should continue. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow. I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.