IPC Kicks Idaho Potato Harvest Into High Gear
During this season’s Idaho potato harvest, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is offering an interactive educational video game that offers shoppers a chance to win $10,000. Through Oct. 31, consumers who visit www.idahopotato.com and play the “Idaho Potato Harvest Game” can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win $10,000: $5,000 for the winner and $5,000 to be donated to a school selected by the winner.
“We know that consumers and schools alike are struggling during this weak economy, and the new Idaho Potato Harvest Game gives kids of all ages another reason to love Idaho potatoes and learn how America’s favorite potato is grown,” said Frank Muir, president and CEO of the Eagle-based IPC. “Idaho potatoes are an excellent food option during these tough economic times. At just around 25 cents, one medium Idaho potato provides an incredible source of vitamins and nutrients.”
From late August through October, Idaho potato growers expect to harvest around 319,000 acres, producing approximately 12 billion pounds of premium potatoes, of which 62 percent will be processed into frozen or dehydrated potato products, 29 percent will be shipped fresh to supermarkets and restaurants, and 9 percent will be used for certified seed to grow more potatoes next year. The majority of the potatoes harvested are the brown russets. However, niche varieties, including Golds, Reds and Fingerlings, will also be harvested from the Gem state’s fields this year. Idaho produces about 25 potato varieties.
In addition to housing the online promotion, the IPC Web site has been improved with new features to keep hungry consumers coming back for more:
--The popular Denise Austin Widget has been enhanced and will include helpful tips on health and nutrition as well as ways to save money in the kitchen. The new widget, “Watching Waistlines & Wallets with Denise & Friends,” will feature periodic tips from University of Idaho home economics specialists
--The Watching Waistlines & Wallets Micro Site offers more healthy and affordable recipes and photographs than ever before
--A newsfeed scrolling the most current potato updates from around the globe will begin appearing on the IPC Web site homepage beginning Oct. 1.
“We know that consumers and schools alike are struggling during this weak economy, and the new Idaho Potato Harvest Game gives kids of all ages another reason to love Idaho potatoes and learn how America’s favorite potato is grown,” said Frank Muir, president and CEO of the Eagle-based IPC. “Idaho potatoes are an excellent food option during these tough economic times. At just around 25 cents, one medium Idaho potato provides an incredible source of vitamins and nutrients.”
From late August through October, Idaho potato growers expect to harvest around 319,000 acres, producing approximately 12 billion pounds of premium potatoes, of which 62 percent will be processed into frozen or dehydrated potato products, 29 percent will be shipped fresh to supermarkets and restaurants, and 9 percent will be used for certified seed to grow more potatoes next year. The majority of the potatoes harvested are the brown russets. However, niche varieties, including Golds, Reds and Fingerlings, will also be harvested from the Gem state’s fields this year. Idaho produces about 25 potato varieties.
In addition to housing the online promotion, the IPC Web site has been improved with new features to keep hungry consumers coming back for more:
--The popular Denise Austin Widget has been enhanced and will include helpful tips on health and nutrition as well as ways to save money in the kitchen. The new widget, “Watching Waistlines & Wallets with Denise & Friends,” will feature periodic tips from University of Idaho home economics specialists
--The Watching Waistlines & Wallets Micro Site offers more healthy and affordable recipes and photographs than ever before
--A newsfeed scrolling the most current potato updates from around the globe will begin appearing on the IPC Web site homepage beginning Oct. 1.