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Yellow potatoes in the eld from Black Gold Farms, based in Grand Forks, ND.
the only company in the Valley that is now 100-percent GAP (Good Agricultural Prac- tices) certi ed.” He explains all 15 of APGI’s growers have completed this intensive and expensive process, which ranks at the top of food safety compliance certi cations.
Also unique to Associated Potato Growers is its recent addition of organic product. e only shipper in the Red River Valley to o er organic potatoes at this point, the co-op planted 50 acres this year after a successful test plot last season.
A common trait to most of the fresh potato producers in the valley is growing their crop on dry land. e unirrigated product “is a key to producing a tastier potato,” says Dolan. J.G.
Greg Hall notes, “Dryland potatoes have more solids and result in a better avor.”
Retail and foodservice buyers agree. Russ Davis Wholesale is a Wadena, MN-based supplier for retail, with ve distribution centers in three states. Stephanie Sands, a potato buyer and category manager based in the Russ Davis Inver Grove Heights, MN, location, stresses Red River Valley pota- toes are superior to much of the competi- tion. “ ey have a nice color, good texture, and great avor.” She also emphasizes, “We want to give the customers what they ask for. Consumers strongly prefer the Red River Valley potato. And I like working with the shippers in the Valley.” She notes shippers
make an extra e ort to put up a consistent, attractive pack.
A liated Foods Midwest, based in Norfolk, NE, supplies more than 800 stores in the 16-state Midwest region. Jason Anderson, produce director for A liated Foods, says in addition to its freight advan- tage because of its location in the Upper Midwest, the Red River Valley provides other pluses. “We just really enjoy the color and clarity of the product. ey hit the quality market we are looking for.”
POTATO PROMOTIONS ENCOURAGED
Good, promotable volume is already being welcomed by retailers as this season begins to peak. Northern Plains Potato Growers’ Kreis says the region’s shippers generally set up their own promotions directly with retailers, but he emphasizes the association is available with any assistance to help increase sales at retail and foodservice. He is optimistic the trans- portation shortage experienced last season will not impede good volume reaching the market in a timely matter.
e Red River Valley group maintains presence at trade shows and is exhibiting again at the annual Produce Marketing Asso- ciation Fresh Summit in Orlando this year. Kreis and area grower-shippers also will have a booth at the New York Produce Show and Conference in December. pb
114 / OCTOBER 2018 / PRODUCE BUSINESS