In a year when potato growers haven't had much to be happy about, good news is filtering out of Washington, DC.
In House action today, the FY 2001 Agriculture Appropriations Act passed on a vote of 340-75. Upon Senate approval, the bill will be sent to the President for his signature.
The bill gives the potato industry the following:
- A total of $250,000 to establish a new position at the Prosser, WA, ARS station. The funding will be used to establish a new position for research on the evaluation and development of new varieties.
- Gives $1.45 million for multi-state potato variety development. These funds support national and Pacific Northwest efforts to develop disease and pest-resistant varieties.
- United States agriculture will get $90
million for market promotion, with the potato industry receiving $1.5 million to be used for the market access program. The National Potato Promotion Board will use the funds to promote U.S. potatoes and potato products internationally.