01/19/06 PMANA, United and process contracts

Idaho fresh potato growers had something to cheer about in 2005 with improved prices. But it was a different story for growers who had contracts with processors. The Potato Marketing Association of North America and United of America are going to work together to help farmers get a better return. Association president Dale Lathim of Washington State says the agreement will enhance the bargaining process. LATHIM "Try and control the supply of potatoes as well as raising the price as high as we can to restore some profitability to growers. At the same time we recognize that we have to keep our customers in business as well so we're trying to be very responsible about where we take the price." Contract bargaining will continue to be conducted by the various associations in the PMANA. United will facilitate the coordination through its national office in Salt Lake City and provide the staff to ensure the timely flow of information between regions as the bargaining progresses. The Potato Marketing Association is composed of twelve bargaining associations in the US and Canada. United now has six regional cooperatives. The two organizations represent 80 percent of the potatoes grown in North America. Voice of Idaho Agriculture