Thailand Opens Seed Potato Market
Exports of ag products to Asia expected to grow more than 25%.
Compiled by staff
Published: Mar 2, 2011
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says U.S. seed potato producers from 10 new states are now eligible to ship their potatoes to Thailand. The newly eligible states are Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In 2009, Thailand began accepting seed potatoes from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
"This is a promising development for U.S. seed potato producers who will now be able to compete in Thailand, the largest potato growing country in Southeast Asia," Vilsack said. "Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing markets for U.S. agricultural products, and exports there are expected to grow by more than 25 % this year."
The United States exported more than $10 million in seed potatoes worldwide in 2010. Initial estimates from USDA are that sales of U.S. seed potatoes to Thailand may reach $500,000 during the first year, with potential for additional growth in the future. Thailand imported nearly $5 million of seed potatoes in 2010.
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