06/22/06 Idaho organic potato research

There is a growing market and that's one of the reasons why the University of Idaho is doing research into organic potato production. At Kimberly organic trials should begin next year. In Boise data is being collected from Northwest growers and scientists on potential pest problems. U of I potato cropping specialist Bryan Hopkins has divided a 55 acre field near Blackfoot into seven zones that will be planted with different crops over the next seven years, evaluating the rotational effects. HOPKINS "Some of the major retailers are approaching our industry and saying we need Idaho potatoes that are being grown organically. Growers are hearing that and are interested. That's what I've been asked to provide is an example is this is how we grow organic potatoes responsibly." Hopkins says to break the pest cycle potatoes cannot be grown as frequently in the organic field as in the conventional field. He's planning three years of alfalfa, one year of spuds, one of barley or sweet corn, one year of beans or peas and one year of vegetables like broccoli, pumpkin, squash or cucumbers. HOPKINS "If we get any really nasty pests that would be a risk to neighboring farmers we are going to destroy the crop. That's a major issue for organic potato growers. There's a perceived that you are not taking care of the pests." Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott