EAGLE, ID, August 15, 2006 – Along with the rest of the Boise area, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is busily preparing for the Sixth World Potato Congress & Farm Show set to occur in Idaho’s capital city Aug. 20-26.
This is the first time the World Potato Congress has visited the United States and as such, preparations for the event have been extensive and long in the making.
“The World Potato Congress is a big deal,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. “For Boise to host this event the first time it comes to our country is an honor and we are proud to be at the epicenter of potatoes! The week-long event is filled with activities and presentations, an amazing farm show and some of the world’s foremost potato experts will be participating.” Bonnie Patterson, Executive Director of the Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau echoes Muir’s assessment of the event being a big deal. “We’ve been involved since bidding for the event began six years ago,” adds Patterson. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to showcase Boise and Idaho to this very important group of people.”
Among the many things the Idaho Potato Commission plans to do to welcome the international group is to sponsor the opening ceremonies set for Tuesday, Aug. 22. Muir will address and welcome the global contingent to the commission’s “backyard” (the Idaho Potato Commission is headquartered in Eagle, just outside of Boise).
In addition to the ceremonial event, the commission will have a booth at the farm show and its mascot, Spuddy Buddy, will be on hand at various functions to interact with visitors from all over the world.
“The World Potato Congress is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our state and our pride in Idaho’s agriculture industry. This is an important and exciting event for the potato industry and for the rest of the state’s farmers and ranchers,” said Pat Tagasuki of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
The Sixth World Potato Congress & Farm Show showcases the best and latest from the world of potato production, processing and marketing for the worldwide potato industry. The event is held once every three years. Past event hosts include Prince Edward Island, Canada; the United Kingdom, South Africa, the Netherlands and most recently, the People’s Republic of China. Representatives from over 35 different countries are already registered for the World Potato Congress sessions in Boise. Following the congress, an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 are expected to attend the three-day farm show just west of Boise near Wilder, Idaho. For more information about the farm show, visit PotatoFarmShow.com, or to register for conference sessions at the convention center, visit PotatoFoundation.com.
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 Idaho® Potatoes and the “Grown in Idaho®” seal are federally registered certification marks that belong to the Idaho Potato Commission. These marks ensure consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in Idaho.
