News Release
Idaho growers demanding that free trade be fair trade
released: 2002-03-06
BLACKFOOT, ID — Idaho growers are demanding that free trade be fair trade. Representatives from Potato Growers of Idaho led other industry figures as they stormed Washington D.C. to make priorities and concerns of Idaho’s most important agricultural sector known to lawmakers and top agency officials in the nation’s capital.
Idaho’s delegation, led by PGI Executive Committee member, Ron Buatte, Executive Director Keith Esplin, and seven others, joined with National Potato Council members in discussing the following issues:
- Industry support of legislation that gives the President the authority to negotiate trade agreements based on:
- Assurances that agriculture will be treated fairly
- Removal of high tariffs
- Removal of other countries’ domestic subsidies
- Removal of their export subsidies
- 5. Removal of other non-tariff barriers
- Support for research funding
- Support of Farm Bill language increasing Market Access Program funding
Growers also met with EPA officials to underscore their need to ensure the availability of crop protection chemicals needed to maintain the safety and quality of Idaho Potatoes.
Idaho’s participation in the meetings coincided with their meetings with the National Potato Council from February 24th–28th.
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.