AP: New varieties may aid Northwest potato industry

New varieties may aid Northwest potato industry

Associated Press

February 8, 2007

CORVALLIS (AP) — The struggling potato industry could rebound in Central Oregon and the Pacific Northwest if plans to introduce new varieties into the marketplace take hold, according to potato growers and industry leaders.

The industry has suffered in recent years because it has not shifted to meet consumers’ changing demands, said Jeanne Debons, director of the Bend-based Potato Variety Management Institute, a growercontrolled company that handles licensing and royalty collection on potato varieties grown in Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Rising land and production costs, weak prices amid increased competition and less demand around the country for potatoes have contributed to harder times for growers, Debons said at the state’s Potato Conference, held here recently.

She wants to see some of the new varieties developed in state breeding programs protected by trademark laws and licensing agreements established under the federal Plant Variety Protection Act of 1994. Debons spoke about the need to protect royalties for potato varieties that are created at Pacific Northwest universities and farms.

‘‘Potato research (has resulted in new varieties), but the new varieties haven’t been marketed or administered,’’ Debons said. ‘‘No money or benefits have gone back to the breeding program or the farmers.’’

The new licensing agreements and royalties could create more choice for consumers at the supermarket because they would spur further investment and profits for growers, she said.

‘‘The Russet has been king,’’ she said. ‘‘But people are willing to pay more for variety.’’

Potatoes could easily become like apples for consumers in terms of choice at the supermarket, Debons said.

Central Oregonians could see the new Premier Russet potato on store shelves by 2008, Debons said. The Premier is supposed to have better taste, storage capability, greater yield and more disease-resistant qualities than the standard Russet.

Purple potatoes suitable for mashing could become another variety in the specialty market, Debons said.

‘‘Some potatoes are better for mashing, others are better for salads, frying or roasting,’’ she said. ‘‘Fred Meyer and Safeway could eventually sell their own type of potato and Central Oregon farmers could eventually find a niche in the market.’’