(1) The production of potatoes within this state is in the public interest. It is vital to the continued economic well-being of the citizens of this state and their general welfare that its potatoes be properly encouraged by enabling producers of potatoes to help themselves in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing, grading, and standardizing of the potatoes they produce.

(2) It is in the overriding public interest that support for the potato industry be clearly expressed and that adequate protection be given to the industry and its activities and operations as part of a comprehensive agricultural industry to:

(a) Eliminate or limit impediments affecting the sale and use of Washington state's potatoes in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(b) Respond to public requests for information regarding the quality, care, and methods used in the production of Washington state's potatoes;

(c) Respond to public requests for information regarding the nutritional, health-giving qualities and dietetic value of Washington state's potatoes and products; and

(d) Support and engage in programs or activities that benefit the planting, production, harvesting, handling, processing, transportation and utilization of potatoes produced in Washington state.

(3) The director is authorized to implement and administer chapter 15.66 RCW through this marketing order.

(4) The Washington state potato commission exists primarily for the benefit of the people of the state of Washington and its economy.