To Russia for spud promotion
Farm and Ranch September 25, 2009 The 18th International World Food Moscow was recently held in Moscow, Russia and the Washington State Potato Commission was there. Matt Harris, Director of Trade for the Potato Commission says the purpose his and the visit of two potato commissioners was to introduce fresh potato exports to the region. Harris: “Our understanding that the country itself imports a considerable amount of potato products including fresh potatoes. We wanted to come into this market and introduce ourselves to potential importers and retail distributors.” Harris says they received quite a bit of interest meeting with people from St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kalingrad, Serbia and with also from India. Harris: “It was very receptive. I think when you look at our pricing of potatoes it is very comparable to what would be bought out of Europe including our freight into that cost. So it is something that is of interest to me. I think it is a market that we should explore and see if we can’t develop trade.” Commission participation in the Moscow show followed a bi-lateral agreement between the U.S. and Russia earlier this year covering phyto-sanitary issues for fresh U.S. potato shipments to Russia. That’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I’m Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.
