Washington Potato Commission searching for ‘early adopters’ of alternative farming

The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) is looking for growers who are embracing alternative methods.

“How can we enhance pest control and potato production while decreasing off-farm impacts?” the group said. “The WSPC wants to learn what ‘early adopters of alternative farming methods’ are doing.”

The WSPC is interested in unconventional or inventive techniques including, but not limited to:

• The use of cover crops or green manures to enhance soils or suppress nematodes and diseases
• Adhering to a crop rotation that provides specific benefits to potatoes
• Field corner or edge plantings that enhance natural enemies
• Novel phytosanitary methods to quell the spread of nematodes or disease agents.

“Give us the benefit of your wisdom and experience, tell us what is working for you,” the groups said. Interested growers can contact Matthew Blua, WSPC director of industry outreach at mblua@potatoes.com or by phone at 509-765-3680.