News Release
Potato Grower Annual Meeting to feature Potato Cyst Nematode Workshop
Experts from New Zealand and Scotland to address growers
released: 2006-11-06
BLACKFOOT, Idaho — As part of this year’s Joint Annual Meeting of the Potato Growers of Idaho (PGI), United Potato Growers of Idaho (United) and the Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative (SIPCO), PGI has made special arrangements to bring in special guest speakers from overseas to address important issues concerning the potato cyst nematode (PCN) at a workshop for all growers and registered attendees November 16, 2006, at the Ramada Inn in Pocatello.
Dr. Mark Phillips of Scotland and Dr. John Marshall, New Zealand, will both speak at the noon luncheon on Thursday, November 16. Following the luncheon, a workshop to address specific grower-related concerns has been planned to help potato farmers better understand the real risks associated with the potato cyst nematode. The two experts come from areas where the nematode has been present for over 30 years and bring with them many years of experience.
PGI has also invited Osama El-Lissy of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to participate in the workshop. This workshop is made possible through PGI’s recent partnership with the USDA Risk Management Agency.
Special Guests:
- Dr. Mark Phillips: Scottish Crop Research Institute
- Dr. John Marshall: New Zealand Crop & Food Research
- Osama El-Lissy: Director, Emergency Management Emergency and Domestic Programs
- USDA APHIS & Plant Protection and Quarantine
All growers are encouraged to attend the entire two-day Joint Annual Meeting, Wednesday, November 15 and Thursday, November 16, 2006, at the Ramada Inn in Pocatello. There is a registration fee of $125 per person for the entire two-day conference, which will include all meals. Growers who cannot attend the entire conference and only plan to attend Thursday’s luncheon and PCN workshop and are encouraged to call PGI to get a special discounted rate.
Growers are encouraged to RSVP by calling the PGI office at 208.785.1110.
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.