11/25/05 United Fresh Potato Coop annual meeting

11/25/05 United Fresh Potato Coop annual meeting

Washington Ag November 25, 2005 The Washington & Oregon UNITED Fresh Potato Growers Cooperative is holding its first annual meeting this next week, Tuesday, November 29th. It will be at the Red Lion in Pasco from 2-5 p.m. The coop was one of several formed early this year in potato growing states across the country, including a national organization, aimed at stabilizing the potato industry and restoring producers to profitability. Washington and Oregon Coop CEO Dave Long says they had phenomenal success in their first year at reducing potato acreage and that's translated into better prices. Long: "Prices right now are a little bit above the cost of production. They guys are making a little bit of money for the first time in about four years. The fresh crop is short. Prices are going to go up after the first of the year and I think our guys are going to have a very good year." Long says both coop members and non-members are invited to attend the November 29th meeting. An update on the agricultural business climate in Washington and Oregon will be provided by Ed Bryce of Key Bank. There will be a report from the Columbia Basin Development League on efforts to address the Odessa Aquifer situation and Albert Wada, Chair of the UNITED Potato Growers Cooperative of America will discuss UNITED's plans and programs for 2006. I'm Bob Hoff.
Previous Report11/24/05 Enthusiasm for agriculture
Next Report11/28/05 U.S.-E.U. wine deal; PNW Grains meeting