WHEREAS, One-third of the nation's potato exports 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, The economic impact of potato production, processing, and packing is estimated to be 3.4 billion dollars annually; and
     WHEREAS, Washington potatoes have a farm gate value (price farmers are paid) of over 550 million dollars; and
     WHEREAS, Washington potato growers have won national awards for sustainable agricultural practices for the 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 State Potato Commission for sponsoring Potato Day on the Capitol Campus on January 23, 2008.