News
Canadian Tribunal Hears Potato Dumping Testimony
Potato growers, industry experts and economists presented historical, scientific and economic evidence through lawyers on behalf of the Washington potato industry at the 3.5-day hearing before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) in Vancouver, British Columbia, in late July.
Potato Acreage Lowest on Record, USDA Says
The USDA Agriculture Statistics Board reported that U.S. potato growers have planted a record low acreage. “Potato growers across the United States have planted an estimated 1.11 million acres of potatoes in all four seasons this year, down 7 percent from last year and the lowest since 1866 when record keeping began,” USDA said.
Growers Address Supply Issues in PEI
United Potato Growers of America (United) said its bid buy-down program has helped reduce potato acreage. Preliminary numbers show U.S. fresh potato acreage down 35,000 acres, with an additional 4,000 fresh potato acres cut on the East Coast outside of areas organized by United producers.
June Potato Stocks Up 11 Percent from 2004
The 15 major potato states held 51 million cwt. of potatoes in storage June 1, up 11 percent from both last year and June 1, 2003, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Epidemic Similar to 1997 Could Be Seen
The probability for late blight in southern Idaho is estimated at 95 percent to 99 percent, according to the Treasure Valley Pacific Northwest Pest Alert Network.
Growers Wishing to Apply for TAA Must Attend
To be eligible for monetary and training assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, Idaho’s fresh-market potato growers must register at their local USDA Farm Service Agency office by June 27 and attend free, half-day technical assistance workshops that will be offered by University of Idaho (UI) Extension this summer.
Supreme Court Rules Beef Checkoff Constitutional
The U.S. Supreme Court voted May 23 to uphold the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, overturning lower court decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit and the U.S. District Court for South Dakota, which ruled the measure unconstitutional.
May Potato Stocks Up 2 Percent from 2004
The 15 major potato states held 87 million cwt. of potatoes in storage May 1 ? up 2 percent from last year and 5 percent above May 1, 2003, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
April Potato Stocks Up 3 Percent from 2004
The 15 major potato states held 130 million cwt. of potatoes in storage April 1, up 3 percent from both last year and April 1, 2003, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
American Potato Cooperative Begins Acreage Bid Buy-Out Program
Representatives to the United Fresh Potato Growers of America board of directors agreed during the group?s second meeting to participate in the first national acreage bid buy-down in the history of U.S. potato production.
