Industry celebrates Potato Day in Olympia
Warnick recognized as Legislator of the Year
OLYMPIA- Representatives of the Washington potato industry are reminding legislators in Olympia their product plays a major role in the state economy.
More than 20 industry people, most of them growers from Skagit Valley and the Columbia Basin, were in Olympia Tuesday and Wednesday, informing legislators of critical potato issues and recognizing those who have shown their support.
Washington State Potato Commission Executive Director Chris Voigt estimated Potato Day has been going on for roughly a decade.
"Potatoes are a big thing in Washington. We bounce back and forth between the number two and number three highest value crop in the state," Voigt explained. "We're roughly a $3.5 billion industry and I think it's important for our legislators, most of them are unaware of the industry because they live on the west side and don't have a lot of understanding of agriculture, realize the value of the potato industry and what it's all about, and the things they do on a day-to-day basis in Olympia can have a dramatic effect on our industry."
For the annual event, growers travel around to all the legislators, Voigt said, and receive a positive reception from legislators.
"I think a lot of legislators are grateful to meet with constituents and people who have a vested interest in the state," he said. "It's very well received and an opportunity to highlight some of the issues they didn't realize were important to us, so it's very beneficial."
The industry also meets with agency heads, including the Department of Ecology to talk about water issues, the Department of Natural Resources to discuss land-use issues and meeting with Gov. Chris Gregoire.
The group also recognized Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, and Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, as Legislators of the Year.
Warnick sponsored two bills addressing stolen metal property, one of which passed unanimously. For the 2008 session she is the ranking member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Judiciary Committees and is ranking member of the Local Government Committee.
As the chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Committee and a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Rasmussen continues to help Washington agriculture.
Warnick said she is extremely honored to receive the award, especially in conjunction with Rasmussen.
"She is a true champion for all farm issues and kids," Warnick said. "I was very surprised and I have very high regard for (the potato commission) and the work they do for our farmers, especially with the transportation issues. That's a big issue this year, and I'm very glad to be on the Transportation Committee where I can help do more good hopefully for the potato farmers."
Following their legislative meetings, the potato group assembles in the Capitol rotunda for the annual Potato Day potato bar. Growers distribute a new recipe book featuring potato recipes from Eastern Washington chefs and about 1,600 baked and loaded potatoes.
"It's tied for the number one event on campus there in Olympia; I think we compete with the dairy guys (who) provide ice cream," Voigt said. "It's well attended. I don't know how many thousands of people come through the rotunda and get a baked potato, but everybody loves it."
In the past, the Potato Day has typically served Russet potatoes, but this year the industry is serving red potatoes to bring attention to red potato growers, Voigt said.