Potato growers serve up issues and popular lunch in Olympia

Members of the Washington potato industry once again brought the ag agenda, recognition and a healthy lunch to the state capital. Fourteen industry representatives gathered in Olympia on Monday, January 22 to meet with their state Senators and House members and discuss issues and bills impacting potato farming and sales.

Items covered included transportation, land use, research, pesticide use and water management.

“We had great meetings with the legislators,” said Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission.  “We have good relationships with most all of them and they were interested in hearing our perspectives.”

The potato industry also honored several lawmakers for their legislative efforts on behalf of agriculture during a dinner Monday evening. Those being honored this year came from both sides of the political isle and are Representative Bill Grant from the 16th District, Representative Dan Newhouse from the 15th District.  Senators honored are Erik Poulson of King County and Senator Jim Honeyford, from Yakima.

On Tuesday at noon, approximately 1600 baked potatoes were served at the annual Potato Day potato bar in the Capitol Rotunda for lawmakers, staff and visitors.  The potato delegation distributed potato recipe cards to those waiting in line.  The event remains one of the most popular on the capital campus.

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