09/23/05 Potatoes part of Wa governor`s trade trip

09/23/05 Potatoes part of Wa governor`s trade trip

Farm and Ranch September 23, 2005 Representatives of the Washington State Potato Commission are among the people currently on that 11-day trade mission to Asia being led by Washington Governor Christine Gregoire. Matt Harris, director of international trade for the Potato Commission says stops are being made in Japan and China. Both countries are already export markets for frozen potato products and work continues to overcome phyto-sanitary barriers to shipments of fresh potatoes, particularly for chipping. Harris: "The industry as a whole has been dealing with these hurdles many years. And we are talking to these government officials about the possibility of Washington potatoes, fresh potatoes, someday being able to be purchased in the market. That is one of our hopeful gains. And also to try and make sure our frozen product is going into the country with little or no restrictions." Harris says former Governor Gary Locke will join the trade mission in Beijing. Harris: "He is a very valuable asset and will be very appreciated on this tour." Washington Ag Director Valoria Loveland is also on the mission. In addition to meetings with government officials she says there will be in-store promotions of Washington ag products including frozen french fries. Potato Commissioners on the trip are Randy Mullen and Ted Tschirky. 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.
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