11/14/07 Getting Idaho potatoes into Chinese markets

Two Idaho companies are seeing an immediate benefit from Governor Butch Otter's recent ten-day trade mission to China. Larsen Farms Hay Terminal of Dubois signed a 1.5 million dollar contract for the sale of compressed alfalfa hay while Independent Meats of Twin Falls received orders for 300 thousand dollars in port products to China. The Idaho Potato Commission didn't get any contracts but Frank Muir says they're working hard to export fresh spuds to the world's most populous country. MUIR "China actually already is the number one producer and consumer of potatoes in the world." Muir said the trade mission helped address current barriers to gain access for fresh Idaho potatoes but also helped set the stage for expanded sales of Idaho frozen and dehydrated products. MUIR "The next step and it has been the next step for several years is for the Chinese government to complete what's called a pest risk assessment. They come over here. They do some analysis and basically we resolve whether or not there's any issues with our product being shipped to their country." Despite the hiccup with Potato Cyst Nematode the state has been able to show countries like Canada, Mexico and South Korea that it can deliver a quality, pest free product. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott