WHEREAS, Twenty percent of the nation's potatoes are produced in the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Washington ranks second in the nation in the total production of potatoes and first in per-acre yield of potatoes; and
     WHEREAS, Potatoes contribute to our trade balance and the overall health of the state's economy with over $300 million of potatoes being exported annually through the ports in Tacoma and Seattle alone; and
     WHEREAS, Potatoes represent the state's third largest agricultural commodity with a farm gate value of over $500 million, and total value of processed potato products of $2.5 billion; and
     WHEREAS, Washington potato growers have won national awards for environmentally friendly and efficient use of water and fertilizers;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the men and women in the state of Washington who work to make the Washington potato industry successful; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the contribution that this valuable industry makes to the strength and vitality of the state's economy and wishes to thank the Washington Potato Commission for the opportunity to sample the great WATATO (Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that's right WATATO) today on the Capitol Campus.