09/14/05 Progress on B.C. spud duties

09/14/05 Progress on B.C. spud duties

Washington Ag September 14, 2005 The Canadian International Trade Tribunal this week ruled that anti-dumping duties against Washington and other northwest potatoes going into British Columbia should be removed on certain types of fresh potatoes. Matt Harris, director of international trade for the Washington State Potato Commission, says the panel removed the anti-dumping duties for reds, yellows, and exotic potatoes, regardless of packaging, and also provided a product exclusion for 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 count whites and russets imported in 50 pound boxes. But the duties remain on smaller sized count cartons and packed poly bags. Harris: "So this is a small victory for us in Washington state for having these dumping duties in place for the past 20 years." The Commission has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the Canadian International Trade Tribunal's decision to the Canadian Federal Court or a NAFTA appeals panel. British Columbia growers could also decide to appeal the decision. The Ag Statistics Service weekly weather bulletin reports the potato harvest in Washington was 60 percent complete to start this week, well ahead of the five-year average of 45 percent. Winter wheat seeding was reported at 24 percent complete, behind the five-year average pace of 37 percent. I'm Bob Hoff.
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