Potato diversion eyed for oversupply

PRESQUE ISLE – Because of an oversupply of potatoes produced by fall-harvesting states this year, growers in some states are asking for a diversion program from the federal government. Under a diversion program, the government would purchase surplus potatoes.

Although the Maine Potato Board did not take a position Wednesday on the proposal, members did decide to be represented at a meeting on the issue next week in Washington D.C.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has estimated that the 2000 fall crop produced a record 463.4 million hundredweight. The crop is about 7.4 percent higher than last year.

Most of the increase is in the west, where Idaho, Minnesota and Washington made up for 95 percent of the year’s increased production.

The proposal for a diversion this year came last week from the Potato Growers of Idaho.

According to some industry observers, this may mark the first time Idaho growers have taken the lead in seeking such a program, where the government buys surplus potatoes and uses it for cattle feed or fertilizer.

Maine growers sought similar programs in 1978 and 1996.

During Wednesday’s session, board members agreed that while they’re not ready to make a decision, they want to be part of any meetings on the issue.

“I don’t want to make a decision until we know more information,” said David Whittaker, a board member from Presque Isle.

In the meantime, MPB Chairman Andrew Yeager of Wesfield urged the board members to poll growers in their districts regarding growers’ feelings on a diversion program. Those opinions will be considered when the board makes a decision on whether to support the diversion program.

In other business, the potato board voted Wednesday to approach the Maine Legislature to approve an alignment of the districts that composed the board.

According to the proposal, the districts will decrease from seven to five, because of the reduction of growers since 1986 when the board was formed.

The issue will be considered next year by the incoming Legislature, according to potato board officials.