United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho Gains Momentum

United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho voted Dec. 2 to move their own full commitment date to Jan. 17 – two weeks before the general membership’s in-or-out date.

The board of directors is working to iron out acreage management and supply management details.

United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho has more than 80 percent of all acres dedicated to fresh potatoes in the state of Idaho committed under membership agreements, and more agreements continue to flow in. Within the last week United of Idaho has successfully negotiated memorandums of understanding (MOU) with the directors of all potato grower groups in Idaho, including Potato Growers of Idaho, Potato Management Company, Seed Potato Growers of Idaho and Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative. While each MOU must still be ratified by the general membership of the respective organization, ratification appears likely.

Through the cooperation ensured by these MOUs total acreage working together with United of Idaho exceeds the 60 percent level of all Idaho potato acres.

Growers in the Klamath Basin on the border between Oregon and California have formed United Fresh Potato Growers of the Klamath Basin. United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho is moving to establish the avenues of cooperation with this group. On Dec. 7 leaders from United of Idaho will meet with a large group of growers in Colorado to help facilitate the formation of United Fresh Potato Growers of Colorado. United of Idaho will also make presentations on Dec. 9 to grower leaders from across the nation at the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, National Potato Council and United States Potato Board sponsored Outlook Summit in Colorado Springs. Growers in Wisconsin are holding meetings this week to work towards the formation of United Fresh Potato Growers of Wisconsin. United of Idaho is in communication with both groups and is lending support and assistance to these efforts.

More information is available at www.unitedpotato.com. E-mail inquiries can be directed to info@unitedpotato.com.