06/23/06 Idaho organic potato research, part 2

The University of Idaho's Bryan Hopkins always believed that potato growers should use just enough chemicals to treat their fields. HOPKINS "Most of our pesticides are pretty darn safe. Our food is safe. We have one of the safest food supplies in the world so I don't even want to get into that argument. But the fact is that there are many people who are uneasy about pesticides or are just completely against them and that segment of our population is growing." The University of Idaho potato specialist is beginning a seven year study of organic potato production. He and other growers see an expanding market in the years to come. Hopkins believes that Idaho's colder, shorter growing season will reduce pest pressure and giving Gem State organic growers an advantage over those in warmer climates. HOPKINS "We put on must less in the way of pesticides than what you would put on say in Wisconsin or Maine, more humid climates or California or Texas, warmer climates." The Idaho Department of Agriculture says that five Idaho producers were growing organic potatoes on 257 acres last year. Its estimated that 140 acres of organic potatoes were added this year but it takes three years for growers to qualify a field for organic production. Organic potatoes are management intensive and that's why some of the smaller growers do have an advantage. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott