News Release

Potato Grower Summer Meeting to Address Major Marketing and Consolidation Issues

BLACKFOOT, Idaho — The Potato Growers of Idaho (PGI), United Potato Growers of Idaho, and Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative (SIPCO) invite growers to attend the All Grower Summer Meeting Monday, July 16, 2007, at the Shilo Inn Hotel in Idaho Falls.

The seed grower meeting and SIPCO’s general membership meeting will begin at 9 a.m. United will begin their meeting promptly at 11 a.m., and will bring all growers up to date on their continuing efforts to vertically integrate potato growers into the dehy industry. United will also be discussing year-to-date shipment figures for the 2006 crop and give a forecast of the 2007 crop based on acres planted and expected yields. Planting guidelines for the 2008 crop will also be unveiled in an effort to continue managing the supply of potatoes to meet demand.

“United is taking major historic steps to improve grower profitability, but we still have a long ways to go,” said United Potato Growers of Idaho Chief Executive Officer Jerry Wright. “It is critical that all growers attend this meeting. Demand continues to decline at alarming rates, and it will take a collective effort from all growers to keep potato growing profitable.”

The PGI meeting will begin immediately after lunch. This meeting will be especially critical for all PGI members. PGI’s leadership will be requesting growers’ input concerning the future of the organization.

“For the past six months, we have been seriously considering a number of consolidation plans with the end goal of reducing grower assessments and increasing efficiencies within the industry without compromising the grower’s representation on legislative and regulatory issues,” said PGI Executive Director Keith Esplin. “This meeting will ultimately determine the future of PGI.”

The plan that will be presented before the growers will essentially call for the consolidation of PGI’s major roles and activities under a new committee structure under the Idaho Potato Commission.

In addition to the consolidation issue, PGI will also update growers on the status of the 2007 Farm Bill, immigration and the industry’s labor needs, and possible changes to fumigant labels.

Growers planning to attend the All Grower Summer Meeting need to RSVP by contacting PGI at (208) 785-1110. Lunch will be provided to all attendees, and no registration costs will be required to attend this meeting.