04/06/07 Spud growers welcome Korean FTA

Farm and Ranch April 6, 2007 The conclusion of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade agreement is being applauded by the U.S. potato industry and that includes the Washington State Potato Commission. Harris: "Yes, the Washington State Potato Commission welcomes the conclusion of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and would like to thank the dedicated efforts of the U.S. Trade Representative's office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in achieving this historic agreement." That's Matt Harris, Director of Trade for the Washington Potato Commission. The Republic of Korea is the 5th largest export market for U.S. frozen fries with 23-million dollars in annual sales. Korea is also a significant market for U.S. dehydrated potato exports. And Harris says in recent years U.S. potato farmers have shipped large amounts of fresh potatoes to Korea both for consumption and processing into potato chips. Harris: "And although this is a strong and growing market, U.S. potato exports to Korea have been hindered by high tariffs and quotas. The U.S. potato industry considers the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement as the best opportunity to overcome these barriers and expand trade." Specific details of potato market access in the U.S. -Korea Trade Agreement have not yet been released but Harris says U.S. negotiators consulted frequently with the U.S. potato industry in the final weeks of talks. The Free Trade Agreement must be approved by Congress and there may be opposition from the U.S. beef and rice industries. 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.