News Release
Special potato industry meeting in Idaho
released: 2000-11-06
BLACKFOOT, ID — Due to an increase in potato acreage and yields across Idaho and in many other potato production areas of North America, it is evident that a program to divert potatoes to non-food use is needed. The PGI Executive Committee discussed the matter at length during a meeting on Tuesday, October 31. We realize there may be some opposition to a diversion to non-food use. However the PGI Executive Committee came to the conclusion that it would be best at this time to reduce the supply in this manner in order to revitalize the potato market.
The PGI Executive Committee passed the following motion during a meeting on Tuesday, October 31: The Potato Growers of Idaho support a program to divert potatoes from the 2000 crop for non-food uses that includes the following stipulations:
- That the growers receive a higher price than was paid during previous diversion programs.
- That all potatoes entered into the program are marketable potatoes at the time of diversion.
- That the program be implemented immediately and signup end after 60 days.
- And that the potatoes be used for fertilizer on fields, or livestock feed.
A special potato industry meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 10, at the University Place Auditorium in Idaho Falls. Short Term Goal: Get a Diversion program to save our farms this year. Long Term Goal: Unify for Power in the Marketplace and Devise NEW farm and trade policies. Growers from several states are expected to attend.
Agenda is as follows:
- Crisis Summary: Keith Esplin - PGI President
- Production Report - Tom Cooper - Market News
- Analysis - Jim Chapman - Potato Market Consultant
- Diversion - Dick Rush - Idaho Director - Farm Service Agency
- Revenue Insurance - Conquest Insurance and McDonald Insurance
- Update on Potato Wart Fungus - Dr. Phil Nolte - University of Idaho Seed Potato Specialist
- Unifying for the Future - Dick Watt - Chairman Sunspiced Grower's Cooperative
- Also - Crisis reports from out of state growers
Remember: The World Is Run By Those Who Show Up.
About PGI:
The Potato Growers of Idaho is a voluntary association of approximately 250 potato growers from all of Idaho’s principal growing areas. PGI was formed in 1962. In the more than 40 years since its organization,PGI's mission has evolved to include representation of growers in governmental, legislative and industry organizations. PGI staff works under the directions of the Grower’s Executive Committee, and in cooperation with national potato organizations.