07/29/05 Tribunal to rule on spud duties in Sept

Farm and Ranch July 29, 2005 Potato growers, industry experts and economists presented historical, scientific and economic evidence on behalf of the Washington potato industry at a recent hearing before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal in Vancouver, British Columbia. The industry is trying to end dumping duties B.C. has imposed on Washington spuds for the past 21 years. Matt Harris, Director of Trade for the Washington State Potato Commission, is optimistic about the outcome. Harris: "The Tribunal listened attentively to what we had to present as our case. I believe that we presented a very strong case with factual information. That right from the beginning the Canadian side, the British Columbia growers, they conceded on dumping duties for yellows, reds and exotics. So, it did start out well for us." Harris believes the evidence Canadian growers presented was lacking in substance. Harris: "They continually quoted articles out of trade journals and newspapers and used that as the basis of their testimony, which to me is very, very weak." So, the Washington potato industry hopes that when the Tribunal renders a decision September 12th, it will be to remove the dumping duties on all potatoes. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today. Good health tomorrow. I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.