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Wildlife, Cranes and Potatoes: Preserving Threatened Ecosystems One Farm at a Time
Conservation’s Biggest Players Work With Wisconsin’s Healthy Grown® Potato Growers
Antigo, Wisconsin (March 5, 2010) — Take a good look around you. Two-thirds of the land in this country is privately owned—and a good portion of that land is used for agriculture. For that reason, ecologists and conservation groups are taking a new look at privately owned lands as starting points for major conservation efforts.
“We have to realize that farms do more than simply provide produce—they can provide clean ground water, biological diversity, carbon accumulation, healthy soil and improved natural lands and homes for myriad species,” notes Jeb Barzen, International Crane Foundation Director of Field Ecology. “Conservationists and farmers have great opportunities to collaborate and solve most environmental problems that society faces worldwide, and through collaboration we can implement many conservation activities.”
Enter the Healthy Grown® potato eco-label. “Healthy Grown represents the future of farming and conservation working together,” explains Barzen. “The growers use a whole-farm approach, addressing biodiversity, water pollution, and soil erosion while simultaneously producing our food.”
Healthy Grown is a result of the Wisconsin Eco-Potato partnership between the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), the World Wildlife Fund and the University of Wisconsin. The International Crane Foundation and the Defenders of Wildlife are also part of the partnership. Since 1996, the partnership has helped Wisconsin potato growers reduce the use of crop inputs and adopt biologically based pest management systems that do not harm the environment, while also improving farm resources such as soil health. All Healthy Grown growers, packers and shippers are certified and audited annually by Protected Harvest—an independent oversight organization that ensures strict adherence to sustainable agriculture standards.
In order to restore degraded lands, improve biodiversity and restore native ecosystems, a natural community portion of the Healthy Grown standard was designed based upon The Nature Conservancy’s “5-S” system for site conservation. According to Emily Aker, a graduate student at the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the UW-Madison, since the 1840s, Wisconsin has experienced devastating losses to its native ecosystems. Less than .01% of upland prairies, oak savanna and oak-pine barren communities’ original land coverage remain in Wisconsin.
“We’re working to reverse this by restoring unfarmed lands on each of the Healthy Grown farms,” explains Dr. Deana Knuteson, BioIPM Field Coordinator for the Wisconsin Eco-Potato partnership. “Native landscapes were diverse—and that diversity prevented invasive species from taking over. During the past 170 years, agriculture, suppression of fires, drainage of wetlands and logging have taken their toll. We now have landscapes that are significantly less diverse and overrun by invasive species. Every acre we restore on these farms can have a positive effect on neighboring lands—improving biodiversity, wildlife habitats, pollination, soil fertility, nutrient cycling, water quality and filtration.”
Healthy Grown farmers work with teams of ecologists from the University of Wisconsin and the International Crane Foundation to determine which lands can be restored. Methods include prescribed burning, mechanical cutting, selective herbicide application, and establishing native vegetation by planting seeds or seedlings.
“Defenders of Wildlife has been involved in the Healthy Grown collaboration for over five years and will remain a future partner as the restoration of critical ecosystems and biodiversity conservation expands on Healthy Grown farms,” states Dr. Frank Casey, Director, Conservation Economics Program, Defenders of Wildlife. “In the face of population growth in rural areas and as the impacts of climate change on biodiversity emerge, the forward-looking, pro-active conservation efforts of Healthy Grown producers will be critical to species abundance and survival. The Healthy Grown experience serves as a model for incorporating biodiversity conservation into current efforts to define indicators for sustainable agricultural production.”
Adds Barzen, “People underestimate the importance of farmlands to wildlife. Of the 15 crane species worldwide, 14 of them use agricultural lands during some portion of their annual cycle. The future management of private lands, therefore, will determine the future of many crane populations.” He cites, as an example, the fact that crane numbers in Wisconsin have tripled in the last 30 years. According to Barzen, this increase is due to cranes adapting their habitats to nest in abundant, privately owned wetlands. “Cranes benefit from management of wetlands owned by Healthy Grown farmers. Prescribed burns have reduced shrub and tree cover that has slowly encroached on these previously unmanaged wetlands. Other unproductive agricultural fields are being restored to native prairie, creating more crane habitat. When we restore native ecosystems that serve as crane habitat we can benefit many grassland and wetland species that are in decline.”
“The Healthy Grown standard is an experiment driven by the growers—they aren’t waiting for conservation legislation, they’re driving the process. We’ve come a long way and still have a long way to go, but this standard is an example of how conservation might be accomplished on agricultural lands,” concludes Knuteson.
About Healthy Grown®
The Healthy Grown® eco-label, established in 2001, is a product of the Wisconsin Eco-Potato partnership between the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The International Crane Foundation, World Wildlife Fund and the Defenders of Wildlife are also part of the partnership. The Healthy Grown standard is designed to help growers reduce impacts on water, conserve natural ecosystems, increase biodiversity and improve productivity through researched-based sustainable and IPM processes. Healthy Grown sustainable farming practices are overseen by Protected Harvest, an independent oversight organization. www.wisconsinpotatoes.com/HealthyGrown/index.html.
Boost St. Patrick's Day Sales with Free POP and Wisconsin Potatoes
Antigo, Wisconsin (February 16, 2010) — Tired of the same old St. Patrick’s Day four-leaf clovers in your produce department? The Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers’ Association (WPVGA) has free St. Patrick’s Day point-of-purchase (POP) materials that will draw the eyes of consumers and build sales. The free POP, available to grocers at WinWithWisconsinPotatoes.com/retailsupport, includes posters and recipe tear-pads featuring the contest winning recipe “Shepherd’s Pie Pasties.”
“By providing free point-of-purchase materials for each of our seasonal recipe contests,” explains Tim Feit, Director of Promotions and Consumer Education for the WPVGA, “we hope to not only assist the produce manager in increasing sales, but to make it easy for them to provide eyecatching POP as well.” The website allows produce managers to download and print the full-color Wisconsin potatoes poster. Tear-pads of the winning recipe can be ordered online and are shipped within days to the store. “The POP attracts customers, gives them something new to put on their table – a winning recipe – and encourages consumers to enter the recipe contest and win a free gift card from their favorite grocery store,” concludes Feit. All materials are provided free of charge courtesy of the WPVGA.
Shelly Fisher of Hermiston, Oregon submitted the St. Patrick’s Day winning recipe “Shepherd’s
Pie Pasties,” which is featured on the full-color poster and tear-pads. Other winning recipes
include “Tipsy Irish Mashers” from Joan Cossette of Colbert, Washington, and “Scalloped au
Gratin” by Karen Mead of Wingdale, New York. All three winning recipes can be found at www.WinWithWisconsinPotatoes.com. Each of the three recipe winners received a gift card from the grocer of their choice, courtesy of the WPVGA.
WPVGA also provides Healthy Grown® potatoes — a sustainable eco-friendly product grown
exclusively in Wisconsin. Growers are certified by an independent third party, and are held to
stringent sustainable farming practices that protect the farmlands, preserve the soils and keep
water clean. The growers also protect non-agricultural endangered Wisconsin ecosystems
located on their farm and work to restore native plants that benefit wildlife and the ecosystem as a whole. Healthy Grown® potatoes are available in russets, reds, yellow flesh and round white varieties.
Irish Flair for Wisconsin Potatoes
St. Patrick’s Day Recipe Winners Announced
Antigo, Wisconsin (February 16, 2010) — Shelly Fisher’s “Shepherd’s Pie Pasties” earned her top prize in the St. Patrick’s Day recipe contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers’ Association (WPVGA). Fisher, of Hermiston, Oregon will be awarded a $150 gift card from her local Safeway store, courtesy of the WPVGA.
“I originally created this recipe for a bake-off contest a year ago,” explains Fisher. “I thought it would be perfect for this St. Patrick’s Day.”
Joan Cossette of Colbert, Washington earned a $100 gift card as second place winner with her recipe for “Tipsy Irish Mashers.” Cossette incorporated Irish beer with mashed potatoes,
specifically for this contest. “I wanted to come up with something distinct for St. Patrick’s Day. My
husband’s favorite Irish beer was the perfect complement to mashed potatoes!”
Karen Mead of Wingdale, New York won a $50 gift card for her “Scalloped au Gratin Potatoes” recipe, which placed third. Mead, who buys only Wisconsin potatoes, exclaims, “They are the best.” All three winning recipes are featured at WinWithWisconsinPotatoes.com.
The WPVGA is currently accepting potato recipes for its Easter recipe contest. Contestants may enter at WinWithWisconsinPotatoes.com for the chance to win one of three top prizes. The contest ends March 5, 2010. Winners will be announced March 18, 2010.
WPVGA also provides Healthy Grown® potatoes — a sustainable eco-friendly product grown
exclusively in Wisconsin. Growers are certified by an independent third party, and are held to
stringent sustainable farming practices that protect the farmlands, preserve the soils and keep
water clean. The growers also protect non-agricultural endangered Wisconsin ecosystems
located on their farm and work to restore native plants that benefit wildlife and the ecosystem as a whole. Healthy Grown® potatoes are available in russets, reds, yellow flesh and round white varieties.
You Shouldn't Have to Pay More for Eco-Friendly Produce
Healthy Grown® Wisconsin Potatoes Priced Equivalent to Other Wisconsin Potatoes
Antigo, Wisconsin (February 15, 2010) — The eco-friendly Healthy Grown® Wisconsin potato label announces its quality potatoes will, effective immediately, be priced at the same current market prices of other Wisconsin potatoes. “The recession, increasing rates of childhood obesity, REAP Farm to School initiatives — there are plenty of reasons to offer eco-friendly Healthy Grown Wisconsin potatoes at the same current market price as other potatoes,” notes Tim Feit, Director of Promotions and Consumer Education for the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA). “Across the nation, families are struggling to put healthy meals on their tables. Organizations are battling childhood obesity by promoting healthier meal options, or trying to improve school lunch menus with local produce. And the Healthy Grown® growers want to be a part of these initiatives. We feel people should have access to affordable eco-friendly food and have decided to offer Healthy Grown eco-friendly potatoes at the same current market price as other Wisconsin potatoes.”
The Healthy Grown® potato eco-label grew out of the Wisconsin Eco-Potato partnership between the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), the World Wildlife Fund and the University of Wisconsin. The International Crane Foundation and the Defenders of Wildlife are also part of the partnership. Since 1996, the science-based team has helped potato growers reduce the use of crop protection inputs such as nutrients, pesticides and other additives, by adopting integrated pest management (IPM) alternatives — biologically based pest management systems that do not harm the environment. The partnership also works to reduce contamination of water, conserve and restore biodiversity to natural ecosystems, and increase productivity without genetic modification of the produce.
All Healthy Grown growers, packers and shippers are certified and audited annually by Protected Harvest — an independent oversight organization that ensures strict adherence to sustainable agriculture standards. Healthy Grown has compiled an eight-year database tracing IPM and pesticide use. With over 350 eco-label products on the market, consumers and businesses are growing more wary of “greenwashing” — exaggerated or misleading claims about eco-friendliness — according to the World Resources Institute (WRI). Healthy Grown’s database ensures eco-label transparency.
“We’ve worked hard over the last 13 years to put sustainable whole-farm processes into place on the Healthy Grown farms — and to do so in a manner that provides livable incomes for growers and their employees,” explains Deana Knuteson, BioIPM Field Coordinator for the Wisconsin Eco-Potato partnership. “We’ve faced plenty of challenges — but our data illustrate that it’s economically feasible to grow in a sustainable manner. And we can pass that cost savings on to the consumer.”
68,000 Acres of Wisconsin Potatoes and All Is Well Despite Late Blight Fungus
Growers' Preventative Steps Ensure Hearty Harvest and Plentiful Seed Potatoes for Next Year
Antigo, Wisconsin (September 8, 2009) — “Worst case scenario — if no preventative steps had been taken, then yes, we could have had 100% crop loss of 68,000 acres of potatoes,” notes Amanda Gevens, plant pathologist with University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin Extension, in reference to the spread of the late blight fungus from the eastern seaboard to the Midwest. “But Wisconsin potato growers have been very vigilant — taking preventative measures such as applying fungicides and having professional scouts inspect their fields. Because of the late blight outbreaks in the late 1990s and early 2000s, we had the experience and knowledge to contain late blight and limit the risk to the current crop and next year’s seed potatoes.”
Adds AJ Bussan, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, “At this point, the volume of stored potatoes does not appear to be in jeopardy. All the growers have been taking preventative action for the last six to eight weeks, and we’ve only had a single case in which late blight was found in a production field.” The field, located in Portage County, had one small sector of blight located in a far corner of the field. The plants were immediately destroyed, as were those in a buffer zone surrounding the infested plants. Fungicides were used to stop subsequent lesions on plants that were found by scouts. The lesions were not active — thus preventing the spores from spreading by air. No potatoes were harvested from the infected plants.
Late blight, responsible for the great famine in Ireland in the 1840s and 1850s, has the potential to destroy crops around the nation because the spores can travel long distances via air. “But this isn’t the nineteenth-century,” notes Gevens. “We have the know-how and the tools to contain infestations. Preventative measures, including those of commercial growers and home gardeners, have been key. We were able to get the word out across the state and home gardeners did an excellent job of reporting suspected cases of blight on tomatoes and potatoes, and destroying suspicious plants. Believe it or not, that’s key to containing the infestation as well — monitoring one’s personal garden. In fact, the current late blight infestation has been traced back to tomato plants purchased by unwitting consumers in New York. The spores spread to farmers from eastern South Carolina to Maine then headed westward through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. We all have the same strain of blight.”
There are several factors that have helped contain the spread of late blight in Wisconsin. “This summer has been unseasonably cool and wet — very favorable conditions for blight — so we were on the alert,” notes Gevens. “Once we were made aware of the breakout of late blight on the East coast, we sent notices to Wisconsin growers. Growers also follow our disease forecasting which is based on weather data, temperature, rainfall and humidity. The unusual summer weather was an indicator of risk, so growers began spraying fungicides for late blight many weeks in advance of the finds in Dane County.”
Another factor that helped prevent a widespread outbreak is timing. “We’ve gotten the tail end of this — it started in June on the east coast. Now, in September, growers are already performing vine kill, which helps the potato skin ‘set up’ — or thicken. This makes the potato more resistant to disease.” By killing the green foliage, growers not only prepare their crop for harvest, but eliminate the green plant material that late blight needs to survive.”
Continues Gevens, “Infected plant materials can be left atop the soil where the brutal Wisconsin winters destroy any further traces of the blight. In spring, the plants or potatoes are tilled into the top soil to ensure they fully biodegrade.”
As for seed production, a strict certification regimen is in place to ensure infected tubers are removed from seed lots.
“Did we get lucky?” asks Gevens. “Yes and no. Certainly having the spores reach our area at the tail-end of summer has been key. But the growers and gardeners throughout the state were very proactive and vigilant — and that, ultimately, has been the key to ensuring a healthy harvest.”
Ranked third in the nation for potato production, Wisconsin harvested 2.3 billion pounds of potatoes in 2008, generating over $300 million in product dollars for farmers and shippers. Agribusiness in Wisconsin generated $51.5 billion in economic activity and provided jobs for 420,000 people — about one out of every eight residents works in a job related to farming.
More Than $1500 to be Awarded to Culinary Contest Winners in Annual Contest
WPVGA Launches First in Series of Year-Long Seasonal Recipe Contests
Antigo, Wisconsin (September 8, 2009) - This year, those cooking for the holidays may get a little help in the form of a grocery gift card, from the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA). “In this economy, a chance to win groceries is something anyone can appreciate,” notes Tim Feit, Director of Promotions and Consumer Education for the WPVGA. “And during the holidays, when money is especially tight, we’re happy to offer grocery gift cards to people willing to share their culinary creations.”
Starting September 8, 2009, contestants may submit their favorite potato recipe for the holidays at www.WinWithWisconsinPotatoes.com for the chance to win one of three top prizes — gift cards from the grocer of their choice. The top prize is a $150 gift card, with second and third prize gift cards valued at $100 and $50 respectively.
The Holiday Celebrations promotion is the first in a series of five seasonal recipe contests sponsored by the WPVGA in 2009 and 2010. Future contests will seek potato recipes for Football Parties, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Summer Entertaining. Contestants submit recipes on-line, with the top three recipes featured on www.WinWithWisconsinPotatoes.com during the respective seasons. Although the site is a place for entering the recipe contests, Feit explains, “We hope it becomes a favorite resource for anyone looking for new recipes. In addition to the recipes submitted for the contests, there are hundreds of recipes already available on the site.”
Ranked third in the nation for potato production - in 2008 Wisconsin potatoes generated over $293,000,000 in product dollars for farmers and shippers, generated $51.5 billion in economic activity via agribusiness, and provided jobs for 420,000 people.
About Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA)
Established in 1948, the WPVGA is headquartered in Antigo, Wisconsin. WPVGA provides grower education, government support, environmentally sound research and consumer education for 150 grower organizations across the state. WPVGA is responsible for expanding the Wisconsin potato markets through advertising, promotion and research. WPVGA also supports the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® initiative — reduced crop protection inputs, integrated pest management, sustainable farming practices overseen by Protected Harvest, an independent oversight organization. www.wisconsinpotatoes.com.
United Potato Growers of Wisconsin hosts Summer Annual Meeting and Pig Roast for Potato Industry
Free Event Slated Thursday, July 9, 6 p.m.
Stevens Point, Wisconsin ─ Wisconsin potato industry members including growers, business partners, associates, researchers and their families are invited to the United Potato Growers of Wisconsin Summer Annual Meeting and pig roast Thursday, July 9 at 6 p.m.
The meeting and pig roast will be held at Isherwood Company, 5811 Isherwood Road, Plover, Wisconsin 54467. The Summer Annual Meeting and pig roast is free and open to potato industry members and their families.
“We are hosting this social evening as part of our outreach to build cooperation and understanding in the Wisconsin potato industry,” said Andy Diercks, United Potato Growers of Wisconsin chairman of the board of directors. “Through cooperatives, potato growers and industry members have the opportunity to learn better ways to farm and how to succeed in today’s marketplace.”
The pig roast will be by Rockman’s Catering; beer provided by Central Waters Brewery; and wine by Watertower Wines and Edibles.
All attendees must RSVP their intentions to participate by contacting Chris Malek at chrisjmaleck@gmail.com or 715-340-5366. RSVPs are due no latter than June 29.
About United Potato Growers of America
United Potato Growers of Wisconsin is a founding cooperative member of United Potato Growers of America which was formed in March 2005 by growers to focus on managing national potato supply so as to positively affect grower profitability. Through UPGA membership, growers are empowered to better understand and act upon demand for their product.
At this time, UPGA members are in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. United Potato Growers of Canada was formed in February of 2006 and has a data sharing arrangement with UPGA. Additionally, UPGA has an alliance with its sister organization, Potato Marketing Association of North America, a bargaining association that represents process growers. UPGA was created under the provisions of the Capper-Volstead Act that was enacted in 1922 by Congress to allow growers to work collectively to market their products. UPGA’s vision is to provide a consistent supply of high quality potatoes at a reasonable price for everyone including the consumer. Call UPGA’s national office at 801-517-9000 or visit www.unitedpotatousa.com to learn more.
Potato Industry has a Tremendous Effect on Economy
Throughout Wisconsin!
Antigo, Wisconsin (May 12, 2009) — The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) reports that due to the nearly perfect planting weather, most potato farms have successfully gotten this year’s crop in—encompassing more than 63,000 acres of different varieties of Wisconsin potatoes.
According to the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture conducted in 2007, Wisconsin had 3,320 farms growing field vegetables—a statistic that includes potato growers. In 2008, Wisconsin ranked third in the nation with an astounding 25.7 billion pounds of potatoes produced and an average yield of 41,500 pounds per acre harvested. Last year’s potato crop generated over $293,000,000 in production dollars for farmers and shippers. However, the impact on the State’s economy reaches far beyond just farms and includes all agricultural businesses to generate more than $51.5 billion in economic activity and provide jobs for 420,000 people—about one out of every eight residents works in a job related to farming.
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association represents an industry that has remained relatively stable in this challenging economy. Jeff Sommers, of Wysocki Produce Farms, a 3,400-acre farm in Plainfield, reports that employment levels are exactly the same as last year, and expects it to increase by 30% during peak season, just as it has in years past. Even smaller farms like Wallendal Supply, a 265-acre farm in Grand Marsh, see employment at the same levels as last year.
Sommers also believes that it’s an exciting time to be an agricultural-based business as new technologies are changing farming practices to allow for efficiencies enabling farms to grow production by embracing new technologies. He adds, “as leaders in the industry, we are passionate about being quality employers, having a positive impact on our community, and we’re committed to the growth of the potato industry in Wisconsin.”
Andy Wallendal, of Wallendal Supply, Grand Marsh, says the Wisconsin Potato Industry is healthy and vibrant. He sees a lot of “excitement in the industry surrounding environmentally-friendly produce products and in the partnership between the WPVGA and the University of Wisconsin”—specifically the work UW researchers are doing to refine production techniques.
For more information about the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, the growers of Wisconsin Home Grown and Healthy Grown Potatoes, and delicious potato recipe ideas, visit www.wisconsinpotatoes.com.
United States Potato Board Elects New Leadership During 2009 Annual Meeting
The United States Potato Board (USPB) grower membership elected new leadership during its Annual Meeting held in Denver, CO, March 10-13. The following sections list the leadership for the coming year.
CHAIRMAN
Tom Qualey (Sherman, ME)
DOMESTIC MARKETING
Co-Chairmen
Todd Michael (Urbana, OH)
Shane Webster (Rexburg, ID)
Committee Members
Carl Ball (Lewisville, ID)
Kent Bitter (Shelley, ID)
Tom Campbell (Grafton, ND)
Ernie Ford (Center, CO)
Sanjiv Kakkar (Lawrenceville, NJ)
James Hoff (Idaho Falls, ID)
Rodney Lenz (Wray, CO)
John Probasco (Chesterfield, NJ)
Kevin Searle (Shelley, ID)
Tim Stevenson (Lake Delton, WI)
Tim Young (Howard City, MI)
FINANCE
Chairman
Sid Staunton (Tulelake, CA)
Committee Members
Chris Olsen (Othello, WA)
Bruce Richardson (Capeville, VA)
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Bart Connors (Pasco, WA)
INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
Co-Chairpersons
Lon Baley (Malin, OR)
Cheryl Koompin (American Falls, ID)
Committee Members
Molly Connors (Richland, WA)
Rob Davis (Connell, WA)
Eric Halverson (Grand Forks, ND)
Mike Pink (Pasco, WA)
Ritchey Toevs (Aberdeen, ID)
Steven Whited (Bridgewater, ME)
INDUSTRY COMMUNICATIONS & POLICY
Co-Chairmen
Jimmy Harrell (Elizabeth City, NC)
Monty Smith (Blanca, CO)
Committee Members
Troy Betz (Hermiston, OR)
Andy Diercks (Coloma, WI)
Keith Labrie (Saint Agatha, ME)
Ron Lehr (Edison, CA)
Public Representative
###
David Fairbourn is Manager, Industry Communications & Policy, at the United States Potato Board in Denver. The mission of the USPB is to increase demand for potatoes and potato products through an integrated promotion program, thereby providing US producers with expanding markets for their production. David can be contacted at 303-369-7783 or david.fairbourn@uspotatoes.com. For complete information about the programs, ROI results, resources and tools available to all members of the industry through the USPB, please visit www.uspotatoes.com. The United States Potato Board—Maximizing Return on Grower Investment.
Consumers and Chefs Know that Locally-Grown Wisconsin Potatoes are "Spud On!"
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association and their grower members are working with Wisconsin area grocery stores and restaurants to highlight the benefits of buying Wisconsin-grown produce. The best foods are homegrown—and that is especially true of Wisconsin Potatoes that carry the Wisconsin Home Grown label.
“We know food safety, nutrition, and price are top of mind with shoppers,” said Duane Maatz, the Association’s Executive Director. “When shoppers buy Wisconsin Home Grown potatoes in a grocery store or ask for them in a restaurant, they can be assured they are eating the best-tasting, freshest, and most responsibly grown potatoes in the country.”
Locally-grown food is harvested at its peak of flavor and has a quicker trip to market, unlike food that is shipped long distances. Local food is fresher and better tasting, and has the added benefit of using less energy for transportation, Maatz shared. Consumers will find Wisconsin Home Grown potatoes at grocery stores throughout Wisconsin, many with packaging that carries the name of the Wisconsin farm from which they were grown.
Wisconsin restaurants and chefs have long been supporters of buying and serving locally-grown produce. The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association has been marketing their message to statewide restaurants about the benefits of buying Wisconsin Potatoes. Buying food from local farms means restaurants get food when it’s at its prime and guests know where their food is coming from.
Buying locally-grown food also supports the economy by supporting the livelihoods of farm workers, which creates a multiplier effect for the Wisconsin economy. Recent studies have shown that consumers rank buying local more important than buying organic.
60th Annual WPVGA Grower Education Conference
and Industry Show
WPVGA Executive Director Duane Maatz welcomes attendees to the 60th Annual WPVGA Grower Education Conference and Industry Show held February 3-5, 2009 at the Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
The conference featured presentations covering a wide range of topics related to the potato and vegetable industry and included reports from the National Potato Council, the US Potato Board, University of Wisconsin researchers as well as potato experts from Cornell University, Michigan State University and Idaho.
Cornell University Plant Pathologist Stewart Gray explained the Necrotic Virus Management Plan and why national buy-in to the plan is important to the US potato industry. PVY is a principal focus of this bi-national plan, which is aimed at managing diseases at levels well below any economic threshold so as to allow continued trade of seed potatoes within and between the US and Canada. Gray calls potato varieties that are symptomless carriers of PVY “Typhoid Marys.” They hamper seed certification programs’ ability to identify virus-infected seed lots.
Pictured at the booth of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary are (L-R) Dan Wild of Wild Seed Farms, Antigo; Patty Hafner of Hafner Seed Farms, Bryant; and Sheila Rine of Rine Ridge Farms, Bryant.
Pictured at the 60th Annual WPVGA Industry Show are (L-R) Bryan Bowen, Superintendent of the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Justin Isherwood of Isherwood Company, Plover, and Felix Navarro of the RARS. They are looking over potato varieties produced by the University of Wisconsin Potato Breeding Program.
New Bin Now Available
We’re pleased to announce that the newly redesigned “Potatoes Goodness Unearthed™” potato bin is now available. Wisconsin growers and shippers, and those interested from other areas of the country are able to order this new bin. Flexibility was built into the bin’s design to allow individual sheds to add their own contact information if desired.
The WPVGA’s Promotion and Consumer Education Committee worked in tandem with International Paper to develop the new look, update nutritional information, and add the potato industry’s new national logo “Potatoes Goodness Unearthed.”
Stretching Food Dollars Can Be Delicious And Easier Than You Might Think!
Antigo, Wisconsin (June 11, 2008) — The U.S. is wrestling with the worst food inflation in 17 years, and analysts agree it’s getting worse. That’s putting the squeeze on families and forcing consumers to look for creative ways to stretch their food budgets.
One of the best food values today is found in potatoes. A 10 pound bag of Wisconsin Russet potatoes, grown in all regions of the State, is truly a bargain at $2.99 or just under 30¢ a pound! Potatoes are nutrient-rich—in fact, a medium potato is just 110 calories, naturally fat free, high in vitamin C, and a good source of potassium.
Potatoes are no longer just served ho-hum mashed, or baked—they are being used in many unique, flavorful dishes and can complement any main dish. Summer grilling will take on a whole new twist when you try Grilled Potato Planks served with your favorite grilled steak! The recipe is easy—just look!
Grilled Potato Planks
Makes 4 Servings
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely-chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds (about 3 large) unpeeled baking potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch-thick slices
Directions:
Preheat grill. Combine oil, rosemary and salt in dish. Add potato slices and turn until well coated. Grill potatoes for 8 minutes or until soft. Turn and continue grilling 10 minutes longer or until cooked through. Remove from grill and serve.
Nutrition:
Calories: 280
Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 310mg
Vitamin C: 22mg
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Potassium: 718mg
At http://www.wisconsinpotatoes.com/recipe/ consumers will find dozens of unique potato recipes for summer salads and side dishes—with exciting variations for casual summer dinners and picnics. There are also delicious recipes for main entrées using real Wisconsin Potatoes—like Beef & Potato Stroganoff. You’ll also find quick and easy recipes like Southwest Potatoes & Chicken that you can cook in 20 minutes!
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association’s Web site also features nutritional information, potato storage tips, cooking tips, and fun facts about Wisconsin’s favorite vegetable—the potato. To help consumers get to know where their potatoes come from, the Web site also features information about local Wisconsin farming operations.
When you visit http://www.wisconsinpotatoes.com/recipe/survey2.php, be sure to enter for a chance to win the monthly Grocery Sweepstakes drawing for a $250.00 grocery gift card. Serve delicious and nutritious Wisconsin potatoes, enter the Grocery Sweepstakes, and you’ll be stretching your food dollars even further!
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Tim Feit, Director of Promotions and Consumer Education for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, at (715) 623-7683 or visit their Website at www.wisconsinpotatoes.com.
