News
House Approves $54 Million for Specialty Crops
The Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act (H.R. 3242) passed out of the House of Representatives Oct. 7. It next moves to the Senate, where approval is expected before Oct. 9.
USDA Buys 4.8 Million Pounds of Dehy Flakes
The USDA announced Sept. 21 the purchase of 4.8 million pounds of dehydrated potato flakes (dehy) for shipment to Moldova under the fiscal year 2004 McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
Total 2003 Potato Production Down from 2002
Total 2003 potato production is estimated at 458 million cwt., less than 1 percent below the estimate made in the Annual Crop Summary in January and down fractionally from the 2002 crop, according to the USDA?s September crop summary.
Gov. Locke: Washington Trade Mission Successful
Washington state?s Gov. Gary Locke has announced that his international trade mission to China and Vietnam was extremely successful, with businesses on the mission reporting actual sales of $1.4 million and an estimated $41.4 million in projected sales during the next 12 months.
Winter Potato Production Up 20 Percent
Winter potato production for 2004 has been revised to 4.82 million cwt. ? up 38 percent from the April forecast and 20 percent above 2003.
WTO Agrees on Negotiating Framework
World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations were moved ahead this week in Geneva with an agreement that puts the WTO on course to open markets for agriculture, goods and services.
Washington State Receives Grant for Chip Promotions in Asia
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has received grant funds for $70,000 to help promote Washington chipping potatoes in Asia.
Certified Seed Acreage Down 11 Percent
U.S. potato growers have entered 125,711 acres for certification for seed potatoes for fall 2004 ? an 11 percent drop in the number they entered for certification in 2003.
