Potato growers converge in Orlando for second Potato Expo

Higher attendance marks the second year of Potato Expo in Orlando.

In initial estimates, more than 1,100 potato industry people are converging in Florida for Potato Expo 2010, higher than the 900 that participated in last year’s event, said Hollee Alexander, director of industry communications for the National Potato Council, Washington, D.C.

During Jan. 4 industry meetings that preceded the show’s Jan. 5 official start, potato groups heard updates on industry developments.

In a “Looking ahead at the Potato Market” presentation, Lee Frankel, president and chief executive officer of United Potato Growers of America, Salt Lake City, said fresh prices have been relatively stable over the last few weeks vs. declines experienced in the fall.

Tim O’Connor, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Potato Board, Denver, during the council’s meeting told attendees that U.S. potato exports have exceeded $1 billion during each of the last two years and that the board has helped convince overseas buyers to switch their purchasing of fresh potatoes and potato products from other sources to U.S. suppliers.