Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/14183
Access to all of Mexico with fresh potatoes would be so big that all states would benefit. Some even say that this would be the biggest thing to hit the potato market since the french fry! Access to all of Mexico with fresh potatoes would be so big that all states would benefit. Some even say that this would be the biggest thing to hit the potato market since the french fry! In a recent state managers meeting, we expressed our interest in expanding this market with the USDA and U.S. Trade. In President Obama’s recent address to the nation, he stated concerning trade: “We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we’re launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports and reform export controls consistent with national security.” This is very encouraging, and we made sure that the USDA, U.S. Trade and our Senators and Congressmen knew about it. Senators Crapo, Risch and Congressmen Simpson and Minnick have been very supportive of this and continue to sign onto anything that might help us get this done. These issues and more will continue to get the focus of the Idaho Grower Shippers Association in the coming years. This year has gone by extremely fast. I’ve enjoyed working with my board and the many others in the industry. I want to especially thank my board of directors for their service with the IGSA. These are truly great people who care a lot for the future of the IGSA and the industry. Our two new board members, Ryan Bybee with GPOD and Robert Tominaga with Southwind Farms, have been a great addition to the group. Special thanks to Steve Thorne with Taylor Produce. He has been a great leader for our board. I appreciate his direction and help he has given me. I wish you all the best in this next packing year. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with. TRAVIS BLACKER President Idaho Grower Shippers Association www.potatogrower.com 7