SCOTT GULLEDGE / Scroll
This potato processing plant off of 2nd East in Rexburg cleans and packages potatoes like those that will be sent to Japan.

Idaho benefits from Japan

After 50 years of refusing spuds, Japan reopened the fresh potato trade market with the United States

Ashley Killpack KIL05005@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Boiled, steamed, baked, mashed — what would Idaho be without potatoes? And now Idaho has a chance to take its potatoes where no potatoes have gone before — or at least, where fresh American potatoes have not been for a long time.

After imposing an import ban for more than half a century, Japan has reopened its market to fresh American potatoes.

In the 1950s, Japan banned the import of fresh potatoes from the United States due to concerns involving a specific variety of bacteria and cysts. However, the United States recently announced the bacteria in question has been purged from all American potatoes and the cyst is contained to specific areas.

Japan is not a stranger to American potatoes. Only fresh potatoes have been banned for the last 50 years. Japan is currently the largest buyer of frozen potatoes from the United States, purchasing over $164 million worth in 2004.

And now, after a summer of inspection by Japanese officials, the ban has been lifted from 14 states, including Idaho.

Besides being good for the potato business, U.S. authorities said the removal of this ban is a sign of international policy influencing trade for the better.

“Japan’s decision is welcome news for U.S. potato growers,” said Mike Johanns, agricultural secretary, during a meeting of the National Potato Council. “This announcement is an important step in the resumption of trade in fresh potatoes with Japan and underscores the importance of following science-based guidelines that facilitate the safe international trade of agricultural products.”

Since Presbyterian missionary Henry Spalding planted the first Idaho potato crop in 1837, Idaho has become the nation’s top potato producer. Madison County is ranked eighth in the nation in the production of potatoes, according to the Census of Agriculture. Rexburg contributes to this title, agriculture being its main source of business.

“Most of the people around here are farmers, and potatoes are a major cash crop in Rexburg,” said Eric Walters, a junior from Rexburg, and the son of a potato farmer. “Potato prices are up right now, and hopefully this widening of the potato market to include Japan will help prices stay up. Something like that would be really good for Rexburg.”

The first shipment of Idaho potatoes is expected to reach Japan next month.