To Save The Vodka Industry

Russian farmers faced severe drought this summer, and it's been said that wheat prices climbed because of their misfortune.

Cereal grains weren't the only crop to fail.

The potato crop was so bad that the Russians are accepting imports of Irish potatoes.

In Ireland, it was a bumper crop and farmers were expecting low prices in the face of steady demand and excess supply. The Russians, on the other hand, ended up with yields up to 85% lower than Ireland's.

A disaster in a land where vodka is precious.

So the Irish step in and save the day, with plans by the Meade Potato Company to ship up to 10,000 tons.

No word yet on the effect that Irish spud varieties might have on the flavor of Stolichnaya. You have to wonder if a slightly greenish hue may be seen in the distilled spirits, which could be at peak potency in time for St. Patrick's Day.

Dlya vashego sdorov'ya, you say? It'll be Slainte, Mr. Putin.