2006 Process Contract Negotiations Off To Rocky Start

The Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative held a standing room only meeting to discuss the current status of contract negotiations. Growers are facing fuel, fertilizer and other input rising costs. They expressed firm resolve to gain an economic increase on the 2006 contracts and agreed to not sign a rollover contract.

SIPCO growers agreed unanimously to initiate a binding acreage program that mandates a reduction of 10 percent across the board in Idaho. Additional programs are also being considered for the SIPCO/UNITED process growers.
Growers declared that any offer with a "most favored nations" provision attached did not necessarily guarantee fair returns. The Idaho growers are seeking support from other growers across North America.

Growers in Washington are experiencing similar difficulties in negotiating process contract increases for 2006. Some are considering increasing their fresh acreage.