Idaho potato growers oppose use of 'Potatoes -- Goodness Unearthed' at retail level

Idaho Potato Commission board members unanimously voted June 15 to oppose the U.S. Potato Board's use of a national retail trademark at the retail level.

The USPB is the nation's potato marketing organization and Idaho is the country's top potato-producing state.

Other Idaho potato groups have backed up IPC in its opposition to the use of USPB's "Potatoes -- Goodness Unearthed"trademark at the retail level.

The Idaho Grower Shippers Association, United Potato Growers of Idaho, the Idaho Potato Marketing Order Committee and the Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative have all voted to support the IPC's position.

Idaho potato growers fear the logo could overshadow or replace the copyrighted "Grown in Idaho"seal the IPC has spent millions of dollars promoting and protecting.

IPC surveys show that almost 80 percent of consumers already mistakenly believe that all Russet potatoes come from Idaho. IPC President and CEO Frank Muir said he's concerned the USPB's trademarked logo might confuse consumers into thinking that all potatoes with the symbol come from Idaho.

The IPC thinks the seal should be limited to print and Internet advertising and not be used on packaged potatoes or potato products.