Mar 19, 2009USPB Assessment Increase Passes
A proposed assessment increase of one-half cent per cwt. passed 69 to 7 on March 13. Grower members will now pay 3 cents per cwt. instead of 2.5 cents per cwt. The vote was part of the United States Potato Board’s annual meeting in Denver.
The increase in assessments will help the board move forward with its campaigns to increase the sales of potato products across all markets. The board’s Potatoes… Goodness Unearthed” campaign was launched at last year’s annual meeting and has gained traction with consumers. Although growers are facing some uncertainty going into the 2009 growing season, many supported the assessment increase because of the positive impact the board has on sales.
Members from the major potato producing regions recommended the board continue its promotional programs and use some of the assessment dollars from the increase to increase board’s reserve funds, so they can be used if an issue crops up.”
