Alliance Honors Washington Comgressman

The American Potato Trade Alliance has honored Congressman Doc Hastings of Washington state as "Congressman of the Year."

Hastings was lauded for his continued efforts on behalf ot the potato industry in Washington, DC.

The award was presented Tuesday. Hastings was the only lawmaker to be honored by the Alliance. He has been a strong supporter in Congress of removing trade barriers and eliminating tariffs on exports of U.S. potato products overseas, said Pat Boss, executive director of the Washington Potato Commission.

Boss says Hastings' offering have paid dividends as exports of potato products are continuing to increase.

Since being in Congress, Hastings has successfully secured federal funds for potato research and has worked to provide a voice for agriculture in foreign trade negotiations.

An advocate for fair trade, Hastings supported the Trade Promotion Authority law that has enabled the U.S. to become a part of more trade agreements. He has also been  a leader for the Market Access Program designed to open markets and increase exports of all agriculture products.

Members of the Alliance are the potato commissions of Idaho, Oregon and Washington and the National Potato Council.

Idaho is the largest producing state in the nation, annually providing 30 percent of the nation's crop. Washington is second, producing 20 percent.