Answering your questions on sustainable potato farming practices in Wisconsin
As part of the fall 2024 survey sponsored by the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), we invited WAND members to share questions they would ask if they had 15 minutes with a potato expert. One thing was clear – More than 25% of WAND member questions were related to how potatoes are grown in Wisconsin. This month we were delighted to host a Q&A on this important topic with Dana Rady, Director of Promotions, Communication and Consumer Education with WPVGA.
Q: Dana, as you know, Wisconsin dietitians care about environmental stewardship and local farming methods. Can you tell us what Wisconsin potato growers are doing to care for the environment?
A: For Wisconsin growers, caring for the land comes naturally. Environmental stewardship and conservation have always been important to the health and longevity of multigenerational family farms. In 2002, Wisconsin potato growers elevated their commitment with a new brand and a new sustainability standard – the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program. This key initiative focuses on environmental sustainability and supports farmers in implementing practices that conserve natural resources and restore native ecosystems.
Each Wisconsin Healthy Grown® farm is certified via an annual third-party audit to ensure they meet rigorous Wisconsin research-based sustainability standards around soil conservation, water use, and the management of pests and invasive species The program also promotes prairie plantings to support pollinators and prescribed burns to restore natural habitats and foster biodiversity.
But the commitment to sustainability extends beyond the farm. Many farmers are also involved in watershed protection efforts, such as those focused on the Little Plover River. By working with local communities, conservationists, and researchers, these growers have continuously enhanced their environmental practices, which has helped Wisconsin earn its reputation as a “green state.”
Q: Can you talk a bit more about how the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program helps growers conserve water?
A: Water conservation is a central tenet for the entire Wisconsin potato industry. Local potato farmers use advanced irrigation techniques to optimize water use and reduce waste. For example, technologies like computer-based irrigation scheduling allows farmers to ensure that water is applied only when needed.
Growers also work with ecologists and conservationists to monitor groundwater levels and implement strategies that minimize water consumption while maintaining potato production.
Q: What are Wisconsin farmers doing to protect and improve the soil on local farmland?
A: Wisconsin potato growers prioritize farming practices to protect and enhance soil health, helping ensure that the land remains fertile and productive for future generations. The Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program supports several sustainable practices that promote ecological diversity:
Crop rotation replenishes nutrients in the soil by alternating crops over multiple seasons. Planting cover crops protects against erosion, improves soil structure, and enhances the soil microbiome. Prescribed burns are regularly conducted on priority areas and non-crop lands to manage vegetation, restore natural ecosystems, and support habitat for native plants and animals. Reduced tillage techniques ensure minimal disturbance to the soil.
Q: How does the soil impact the nutrient content of potatoes? Do potatoes grown in different regions differ in nutritional value?
A: Potatoes’ nutrient content remains remarkably consistent across growing regions, regardless of the soil in which they are planted. Potatoes naturally provide essential vitamins and minerals, plus fiber and high-quality plant-based protein. While soil quality can affect factors like size and yield, it does not impact nutrient content.
For example, while different soils like muck soil or silt loam are better suited for specific types of potatoes, the nutrient content of Russet Burbank potatoes grown in Wisconsin is essentially the same as those grown in other states.
However, buying local means fresher, higher-quality potatoes with a lower carbon footprint and supports the local economy.
Q: What makes the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program different from organic and conventional potato farming?
A: The Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program is a hybrid of conventional and organic farming practices, designed to promote sustainability while ensuring economic viability for farmers. It supports practices that help farmers balance ecological stewardship with productivity. The program’s flexibility makes it a stand-out solution that supports sustainable practices and improves potato production.
Q: Can potato production be improved using sustainable practices?
A: Wisconsin growers practice sustainability through crop rotation, cover cropping and effective pest management. The Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program® provides a documentation system and certification for growers regarding these aspects as well as for natural ecosystem restoration, preventing erosion, finding less invasive ways to manage pests and invasive plants, and supporting native plants and animals. These efforts result in high-quality soil and healthy ecosystems that support robust potato production.
Q: What makes Wisconsin potatoes unique in terms of sustainability and quality?
A: Wisconsin’s favorable climate, reliable groundwater recharge during winter, and ability to irrigate efficiently during drier growing seasons make it ideal for consistent, high-quality potato production.
In addition, growers participating in the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program have created a model of sustainable agriculture that benefits both consumers and the environment.
Buying Wisconsin-grown potatoes supports local agriculture while ensuring fresh, nutrient-rich potatoes that are grown with respect for the environment. The Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program further assures consumers that the potatoes they purchase are produced using sustainable practices that protect Wisconsin’s land and water resources.
We want to be a resource for you! Please feel free to reach out to us at wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com with specific questions or visit eatwisconsinpotatoes.com to learn more.
