enviado Febrero 13, 2006 01:18 PM               

Peggy Steward
Capital Press Staff Writer

After more than 25 years of effort, a historic agreement has been reached that will allow the shipment of U.S. chipping potatoes to Japan. The agreement applies to potatoes from 14 states, including Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California.

The agreement, announced Feb. 2, was hailed by industry groups who quickly thanked officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office for their efforts.

“The U.S. industry would also like to thank the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture for its diligent work and cooperation with the U.S. government in reaching this science-based agreement,” John Keeling, National Potato Council executive vice president in Washington, D.C., said in a news release.

Cooperation between the USPB and the Japan Potato Chip Manufacturers Association was also credited for helping to gain the market access. State grower groups, state agencies and various trade missions also played a role.

The protocol limits shipments to a period from February to June, when Japanese chip makers generally run out of domestic supplies, John Toaspern, vice president for international marketing with the U.S. Potato Board in Denver, said in a phone interview.

“The protocol relates to all aspects of the production and distribution process, including seed, field inspections, storage, soil removal, packing and shipping,” Toaspern said. Processors in Japan will also face stringent requirements, he said.

This first year, only one Japanese processor has been approved to import potatoes. Toaspern said about 10 container loads of chipping potatoes, mostly from Idaho, are expected to be shipped this year.

“The first year is a test, and we want to make sure everything works like it’s supposed to,” Toaspern said.

To help Japanese chip makers find product during their shortfall window, the USPB and NPC has pledged to work on the implementation of the market access agreement and to expand the number of states allowed to participate. The Japan Potato Chip Manufacturers Associations plans to work with the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture to expand the number of approved processing plants.

The value of the Japanese chipping potato export market could grow to $3 million to $5 million a year, Toaspern said.