News Release

Potato Growers to Hold Political Fundraiser

BLACKFOOT, ID — The first annual Potato PAC Auction will be held at next week’s PGI annual banquet. Potato PAC was organized two years ago to help potato growers become more involved in the political scene. A governing committee will decide to which candidates they want to donate money for the 2002 primary and general elections.

Chris Bair, of Bair Auctions, will conduct the auction after the banquet Wednesday night at the West Coast Hotel in Pocatello. Numerous items have been donated for the auction. The majority of the items are crop protection chemicals that growers can use in their operations this next year. Also included are a 1992 Chevy Lumina and a 1995 Ford Taurus, that were driven by past PGI employees. Two night’s lodging and a snowmobile rental in West Yellowstone have also been donated.

As Idaho’s population continues to becomes more urban the number of legislators from rural areas decline. The current redistricting process added more legislative seats to urban areas and reduced the number of farm-oriented districts. Potato PAC is a way to help candidates that are friendly to farm issues. Many special interest groups have long wielded strength by donating money to candidates backing their causes. Environmental groups and term limit supporters are two examples. As the farm economy becomes more challenged by technology and other growing Idaho industries for dominance in Idaho politics, growers need to learn to compete in a new era of political realities.

All growers and interested industry people are invited to attend Wednesday’s banquet and auction. More donations of items to the auction are welcome from growers or industry. Please call the PGI office at 785-1110 to get banquet reservations or donate auction items.