01/25/08 Potato industry calls on legislature; recognizes supporters

Farm and Ranch January 25, 2008 More than 20 representatives of the Washington potato industry, primarily from the Skagit Valley and the Columbia Basin, were in Olympia earlier this week to make sure issues that affect their business don't get lost in the frenzied activity of a short session. Washington State Potato Commission Executive Director Chris Voigt says one priority issue for the industry is the proposal to provide more Columbia River water in the Basin. Voigt: "The first year appropriation would be just over six-million dollars and essentially it would give us access to about another foot of water out of Lake Roosevelt to help Odessa, to help with the interruptible water supplies during times of drought as well as some water for municipalities and industrial use. And then of course some more water for the fish for in-stream flows." Other issues addressed included clarifying the state's overtime exemption for agriculture and protecting and supporting transportation on the Columbia River, I-90 and rail lines. And lawmakers were reminded that potatoes generate more than 24-thousand jobs and 3.47 billion dollars annually for Washington's economy. The potato industry recognized Senator Marilyn Rasmussen and Representative Judy Warnick as Legislators of the Year. There was also the popular Potato Bar in the Capitol rotunda, which this year instead of the standard russet, featured large red potatoes from the Skagit Valley. 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.