HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2001-4622, by Representatives G. Chandler and Linville

      WHEREAS, For centuries the French have recognized the invaluable culinary contributions potatoes provide and lovingly refer to them in their native language as "pomme de terre" or "Apples of the Earth"; and

      WHEREAS, From the tasty red potatoes of Rhode Island to the mighty russets of the Columbia Basin, potatoes are cherished from coast to coast; and

      WHEREAS, A recent Washington State University report revealed that the Washington potato industry generates three billion dollars in sales annually and adds some 28,000 jobs to the state's economy; and

      WHEREAS, Washington state is the second largest producer of potatoes in the United States; and

      WHEREAS, Potatoes are the second largest crop grown in Washington; and

      WHEREAS, Washington state produces more potatoes per acre than anywhere else in the world; and

      WHEREAS, There are over 300 proud potato growers in the state of Washington, harvesting nearly 152,000 acres of potatoes each year; and

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

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

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

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge and honor the women and men who plant, grow, harvest, and process potatoes in Washington state and 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 Washington pomme de terre lovers everywhere.

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

      Resolution 4622 adopted by the House of Representatives

                        February 20, 2001.

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Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk  Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk