HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4613, by Representatives G. Chandler, Grant, Linville, Schoesler, Cox, Mastin, Mulliken, Buck, Hankins, Dunn, Skinner and Thomas

      WHEREAS, Watatos yield more potatoes per acre than the common potatoes grown in other regions in the world; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington Watato industry contributes approximately two billion dollars to our state's economy; and

      WHEREAS, People all over the world know that Watatos are delicious and nutritious; and

      WHEREAS, There are over three hundred proud Watato growers in the state of Washington, harvesting nearly one hundred fifty-two thousand acres of Watatos each year; and

      WHEREAS, Eighty-seven percent of Watatos are sold to processors who carefully and lovingly transform them into golden fries, crunchy chips, and whipped and creamy mashed Watatos; and

      WHEREAS, Due to the long, warm days and cool nights in the mineral-rich volcanic soil of the Columbia Basin, Watatos grow up to be the light, fluffy, high-solids Watatos known world-wide; and

      WHEREAS, Nearly nine out of every ten Watatos are marketed out of Washington state, with a significant portion of these going to overseas markets; and

      WHEREAS, Japan purchases approximately seventy percent of the french fries made from Watatos that are exported each year; and

      WHEREAS, In Pacific Rim countries where local government trade regulations permit fresh potato imports, Watatos command a ninety-five percent share of United States potato exports;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge and honor the women and men who plant, grow, harvest, and process Watatos in Washington state, who have contributed so much to the strength and vitality of our state and its economy, the character of our communities, and the general well-being of our citizens; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Washington State Potato Commission and to Watato lovers everywhere.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4613 adopted by the House of Representatives

                        February 10, 1999.

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Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk    Dean R. Foster Co-Chief Clerk