Potatoes aren't on the list developing nations can order as part of the U.S. food aid program, and Frank Muir, president and chief executive officer of the Idaho Potato Commission, wants to change that.
It's something of a Catch-22 situation. Potatoes can only go on the list if they are requested by another nation, but other countries aren't likely to order them unless they are included on the list, Muir said.
Muir said he is working on the issue, which would likely chiefly pertain to processed or frozen potato products. He made his comments during the monthly Idaho Potato Commission meeting here Oct. 24.
Asked about the issue during a telephone press conference on the Senate Agriculture Committee's version of the new farm bill, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said he is also working on the matter.
It's something of a Catch-22 situation. Potatoes can only go on the list if they are requested by another nation, but other countries aren't likely to order them unless they are included on the list, Muir said.
Muir said he is working on the issue, which would likely chiefly pertain to processed or frozen potato products. He made his comments during the monthly Idaho Potato Commission meeting here Oct. 24.
Asked about the issue during a telephone press conference on the Senate Agriculture Committee's version of the new farm bill, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said he is also working on the matter.
