09/16/05 Canada drops some duties on spuds

Farm and Ranch September 16, 2005 The Canadian International Trade Tribunal earlier this week removed long standing anti-dumping duties on certain types of potatoes from the United States. During a four-day hearing earlier this summer in British Columbia, the Washington State Potato Commission had argued against continuation of the duties. The Commission's director of international trade, Matt Harris, explains what the Canadian Tribunal did. Harris: "They were going to exempt reds, yellows, exotics and they were going to exempt white and russet imported potatoes in 50 pound cartons in the following count sizes, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 count. So this is a small victory for us in Washington state for having these dumping duties in place for the past 20 years. And we are continually going to look at this and see whether or not we want to appeal." The Potato Commission has 30 days to decide whether it will appeal the decision to the Canadian Federal Court or a NAFTA appeals panel. British Columbia growers could also appeal. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today, good health tomorrow. I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.