Ryan Holterhoff, director of marketing and industry affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission in Moses Lake, WA, said the organization is coordinating a variety of promotional programs to strengthen awareness about potatoes from the Evergreen State.

“All of our promotional work is geared to fulfill the commission’s mission of ‘supporting an economically and environmentally sustainable Washington state potato industry by providing strong leadership and innovation, and building partnerships to meet the demands of global consumers,’” he told The Produce News July 26. “We are looking forward to a successful year of helping promote Washington state potatoes by ensuring each of our promotional activities focuses on defining the nutritional and economical value potatoes provide and the distinguishing factors that make Washington state a unique place to grow potatoes.”

Ryan HolterhoffThe promotions program is diverse. Future chef tours are planned. “During harvest, we will coordinate tours with students from different culinary schools throughout the state,” he noted. “During the tour, students will have the opportunity to tour the fields, packingsheds and storage facilities. This will give us the opportunity to create a positive awareness with these future chefs of the many varieties and benefits Washington state potatoes provide.” This season, Mr. Holterhoff said, WSPC anticipates hosting more than 120 students and their instructors during these tours.

The commission has also received funds to heighten awareness of Washington state potatoes in export markets. “Businesses have the opportunity to apply for these grant funds by submitting proposals that demonstrate programs or projects that will provide tangible benefits for the Washington state potato industry,” Mr. Holterhoff explained. “Each grant dollar awarded must be matched at least dollar-for-dollar by the recipient.”

WSPC’s website is currently being revamped so it can become a portal to further educate people about Washington’s potatoes. “This will include expanded use of social networks to inform and update our key activities and initiatives,” Mr. Holterhoff went on to say.

The commission continues to educate children about the benefits of fresh potato consumption. As the website is revamped and updated, Mr. Holterhoff said new and interactive games and activities are being included. “In addition, we will have a section that will allow kids to learn more about potatoes and find some easy, great-tasting and healthy recipes they can prepare,” he added.