July/August 2004
Industry Raises Money
for Potato PAC
Washington Potato & Onion Association members
also updated on transportation and nutrition; contribute to Potato PAC.
Banding together to raise $9,700 for Potato PAC, members of the Washington
Potato & Onion Association (WP&OA) bid on items at their annual
meeting held June 13-16 in Sunriver, Ore. Additional cash donations
brought the total up to $10,500. Potato PAC is an organization that
raises money to donate to political candidates in Washington state who
are supportive of the Washington state potato industry. Also, in the
group's business meeting held June 14, members were updated on transportation
and foreign policy issues, as well as the latest United States Potato
Board (USPB).
Grower Catch the Ozone Wave
Ozone. It occurs naturally; it has a pleasant scent; it has been used
as a disinfectant for many other industries; and it has been FDA approved
to curb pink rot, neck rot and other destructive bacteria in storage
potatoes. The application equipment can even be hooked up to existing
conveyors and storage ventilation systems, and workers can learn to
use it with minimal training.
Industry Unites for the Healthy
Potato Campaign
Over the past few months, millions of consumers have learned about potato
nutrition, discovering more reasons to love the spectacular spud. They've
been told this story because of the "The Healthy Potato" campaign,
a multi-level nutrition offensive spearheaded by the U.S. Potato Board
and adopted by industry businesses and personalized by companion activities
by state potato organizations.
"The big national publicity that we're seeing is impressive,"
said Tim O'Connor, USPB president & CEO. "Now it is paramount
that we-the industry as a whole-continue to reach consumers through
every channel possible."
Efforts Under Way to Trap and
Monitor Potato Tuber Moth
A network to trap potato tuber moth (PTM) in the Columbia Basin now
in place is picking up evidence of what could be a serious concern.
PTM is the insect that caused extensive damage in some Hermiston, Oregon
potato fields last year and resulted in the outright rejection of at
least 1,000 acres. Dr. Andy Jensen of the Washington State Potato Commission
addressed the growing PTM concern during the June 25 Potato Field Day
held at the WSU Othello Research Unit east of Othello, Wash. Members
of the industry were gathered together to evaluate the 2004 Washington
Commercial Seed Lot Trials.
Spreading the 'Truth About Carbs'
The US Potato Board printed 1 million copies of Weight Watchers®
"Truth about Carbs" brochure on behalf of the potato industry.
This colorful, eight-page nutrition brochure highlights the role that
carbohydrates play in a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing that fruits vegetables,
whole grains, and non-fat dairy provide essential nutrients that are
vital to good health and well being. Weight Watchers® has great
consumer franchise and brand awareness. This is an opportunity to leverage
their message to reinforce the potato's nutrition message.
Reducing the Risk of Ring Rot
Infection
While no known cases of bacterial ring rot have been identified in Washington
state potato fields this year, the industry is working with growers
to be ever vigilant. A few cases of the disease popped up in commercial
fields in 2003, all traced to infected seed shipped in from outside
sources.
"Recognizing and Managing Bacterial Ring Rot" was one of several
topics addressed during a special field day held June 15 at the WSU
Othello Research Unit, east of Othello, Wash. On review was the state's
commercial seed lot trials. The speaker was Dr. Phil Nolte, an extension
potato specialist with the University of Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho.