Eagle, Idaho, June 6, 2007 - A five-pound bag of Idaho Potatoes isn't the only place you'll find the "Grown in Idaho" Seal. While stationed in Guam, Technical Sergeant Ben David, who is currently stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, had the famous "Grown in Idaho" Seal tattooed on his right shoulder...complete with the registered trademark...of course!
"A couple years ago I looked at the "Grown in Idaho" Seal and thought to myself...hey I'm grown in Idaho too," said David. "I am extremely proud of my Idaho roots and am not afraid to show it! To me the Seal not only means great potatoes, it means a great state, a great way of life and something to be proud of."
Ben isn't the only person with the "Grown in Idaho" Seal on his arm. Two of Ben's brothers also had the Seal tattooed on their shoulders when Ben came home on leave. There is still one brother who is "tattoo-less" but Ben believes that it's only a matter of time before his Idaho pride compels him to follow in the family footsteps.
"When I learned of Ben's tattoo, I was actually touched," said Frank Muir, President and CEO, of the Idaho Potato Commission. "Here is a young airman, who is so proud of his American heritage, especially his Idaho roots, he has a permanent tattoo to symbolize this drawn on his shoulder."
The Idaho Potato Commission tells consumers to look for the "Grown in Idaho" Seal when purchasing potatoes to make sure they are buying genuine Idaho Potatoes. However, when it comes to people wearing the Seal, the Commission believes that anyone, especially a member of the armed forces serving our country, who tattoos the logo on their shoulder, must be genuine in every sense of the word.
Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the "Grown in Idaho" Seal. Both words Idaho® Potatoes and the "Grown in Idaho®" Seal are federally registered Certification Marks that certify to consumers that they are purchasing genuine Idaho Potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.