Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/14183
Around the Vine NEW PRODUCTS AND INDUSTRY NEWS Log onto PotatoGrower.com to submit your answer! The winner will win a Potato Grower cap! I think it’s time for an easy question. What’s the Spanish name for “potato”? It looks like we stumped our readers again! The Shakespearean comedy where a character proclaims for the sky to rain potatoes is The Merry Wives of Windsor. Agro-Culture Announces New Plant To support future growth in the eastern U.S., and strengthen its manufacturing capability across the country, Agro-Culture LIQUID Fertilizers has announced plans to build its flagship, state-of-the-art, manufacturing and distribution facility in Ashley, Mich. The 50,400-square- foot facility will be LIQUID’s largest with manufacturing, truck loading and distribution offices all under one roof. The location also provides rail service not available at its current Michigan production plant. Additional outside storage will be added to facilitate this growth and an expansion of the existing rail track is planned. Fertilizer production is set to begin at the new plant in the fall of 2011. Administrative offices and corporate headquarters will remain in Saint Johns, Mich. Agro-Culture LIQUID Fertilizers is proud to be able to construct this new facility in Ashley, Mich. The agricultural presence in Gratiot County provides a good backdrop for fertilizer production. Agro-Culture LIQUID Fertilizers has representatives throughout Michigan and 35 other states, providing growers with both high-quality products and researched recommendations for success in the field. U.S. Fresh Gain Vietnam Access DENVER/WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Potato Council and the United States Potato Board announce that U.S. fresh potatoes, including chip and table- stock, may now enter Vietnam. This access is based on an agreement reached between the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Vietnam has a population of 78 million people and is a promising market for U.S. potatoes. Based on market research conducted by the USPB, Vietnam will provide immediate opportunities for U.S. chipping potatoes, and demand for table- stock potatoes will grow over time. During July 2008–June 2009, China exported 74,478 metric tons of fresh potatoes, mainly chip-stock, to Vietnam, valued at over $8 million. The current Vietnamese fresh tariff is 20 percent. In AUGUST 2010, the USPB will initiate a Vietnam market development program for U.S. chipping potatoes. Email John Keeling (NPC) at johnk@ nationalpotatocouncil.org or John Toaspern (USPB) johnt@uspotatoes.com. 8 Potato Grower | AUGUST 2010 TRIVIA QUESTION