The San Luis Valley Research Center in Center, Colorado, held an open house on Thursday, Dec. 2, to show a selection of its current crop of potato varieties to the surrounding farmers and community.
The warehouse building was opened to the public who were greeted by the staff of the Research Center. Potato samples were laid out for viewing and information was given about each variety from the ubiquitous Russet to the exotic Masquerade bicolor variety and everything in between.
Technical information was given about each variety, including growth time, resistance to disease and suitability standards for use as chips or fries.
Research Associate Caroline Gray said, “We are excited to host live events, such as the Open House, at the San Luis Valley Research Center again. Interaction with growers and the local potato industry is crucial to the success of the Potato Breeding Program.”
The open house was attended by growers and local government representatives. The event allowed participants to view the potato samples first hand, to discuss the merits of each variety and was a chance for growers to gather, reconnect and discuss the new varieties.
Some of the samples viewed were also able to be purchased by growers to plant in their fields next year.
The event was capped off with lunch for the attendees. The next event at the SLV Research Center is a Potato Postharvest Storage Workshop on Dec. 9 starting at 9 a.m. and concluding with lunch.