Sustainable Potato Farming & Wisconsin Foodie
Sustainably grown right here in Wisconsin, locally harvested potatoes are a key ingredient in culinary excellence. Celebrated by many of the state’s top chefs and passionate food lovers, Wisconsin Potatoes are prized for their exceptional flavor and versatility. From comforting classics to innovative creations, they inspire a wide variety of delicious potato recipes worth exploring.”
Wisconsin Potato farming was recently featured on the television series Wisconsin Foodie. The episode highlighted the importance of sustainable farming and showed some of the culinary excellence of the potato.
More About Sustainable Potato Farming
Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) is proud to put sustainability first. We understand that our existence hinges on maintaining fertile soil and keeping water quality high to produce the best crops for consumers across the country. Many of the farms in Wisconsin have been passed down from generation to generation, and the tradition of family farming is still thriving. This cycle of transferring knowledge about agriculture from grandparents to parents to children and so on ensures that the commitment to sustainability remains as fresh as a newly harvested spud. It instills a sense of responsibility to care for the land and water that support each family’s livelihood.
Growers partner with other organizations to continually improve their positive impact on the land and the environment. These organizations help to support native plants and animals, conserve water quality, and restore natural ecosystems. With over two-thirds of US land being privately owned – and the majority of that land being used for agriculture – it’s important to treat farms well and understand how farmland impacts the world.
Wisconsin Healthy Grown®
The Wisconsin Healthy Grown® brand is the result of the collaboration between the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the International Crane Foundation, and the Defenders of Wildlife. This collaboration, known as the Wisconsin Eco-Potato partnership, launched a sustainable standard for growing potatoes. Wisconsin Healthy Grown® sustainable farmers work closely with ecologists, conservationists, and UW researchers to improve pest and invasive plant management, restore natural ecosystems, prevent erosion, support native plants and animals, conserve water quality, and improve production.
The Wisconsin Healthy Grown® program would not have been possible without the amazing efforts that the WWF, International Crane Foundation, and the Defenders of Wildlife make to support and conserve the environment.
Defenders of Wildlife
Defenders of Wildlife is a nationwide organization that is dedicated to preventing extinction, protecting habitats, and defending nature. Founded in 1947, this non-profit organization works tirelessly to protect species and habitats through advocacy, on-the-ground conservation efforts, and policy initiatives. They focus on strategic efforts to defend endangered species and fight against destructive practices threatening biodiversity.
Wisconsin potato growers are proud to support Defenders of Wildlife, as their conservation efforts help combat climate change, a major threat to farming and crops.
International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation is a global nonprofit organization focused on the conservation of cranes and their ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways. Headquartered in Baraboo, Wisconsin, this organization has a reach that extends across the globe.
Wisconsin is home to two species of cranes, the Sandhill Crane and the Whooping Crane.. If you’ve lived in Wisconsin for awhile, you likely have seen one of these birds. The Whooping Crane, on the other hand, is an endangered species of crane that you’re less likely to see out in the wild. Both of these crane species are a significant part of Wisconsin’s natural heritage and are regarded as a conservation success story.
The WPVGA is not just about potatoes and vegetables; it’s about nurturing the land, preserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Our partnerships enable us to contribute to the global efforts in combating climate change and protecting endangered species. Our Wisconsin Healthy Grown® brand stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. As we look forward to the future, WPVGA will continue to uphold its stewardship of the land, ensuring that our farms remain fertile and productive for years to come.
