South Korea partially lifts US potato ban
Governor Chris Gregoire, talking from South Korea on her mission to lift the ban, announcing the relaxation of regulations relating to potatoes grown in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
First shipment should leave the US for the country this week as a result.
Matt Harris of the Washington Potato Commission says that part of the agreement is that Washington state will apply a sprout inhibitor and cut into a set amount of tubers to ensure that zebra chip is not present.
87% of the 9 billion pounds of Washington potatoes produced annually ar destined for the processing industry.
20,000 tonnes of potatoes are contracted to be exported to South Korea, according to Harris.
"We’re thankful that the Korean government and U.S. government were able to sit down and talk about mitigation tools to make sure trade stays fluid," he said.
Attempts to find a solution to the ban on fresh potatoes continue to be made. 3,000 tonnes of fresh potatoes are being held up whilst talks continue.
Gregoire called the lifting of the ban "a significant breakthrough for our potato growers."
Source: statesmanjournal.com
