Organic potatoes can be grown on a large-scale without commercial pesticides and standard fertilizers.Organic potato production prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, or genetically modified varieties. The decision to grow organic potatoes may be based on a personal desire to adopt an organic production system, to capitalize on the demand in the organic marketplace, or for various other reasons.
“To growers, organic potato production may mean the potential for some new markets — markets that are growing and markets at a higher price… for safe & healthy consumption,”
Experienced potato producers will be aware of the major threats to healthy potato production and know the consequences of aggressive pest attacks. Novice commercial potato producers may not be aware of the destruction of uncontrolled pest invasions and poor plant nutritional health and must be aware of the pitfalls of failing to adequately protect potato crops. Certain pesticides are approved for use by certification bodies. Consult the “Permitted Materials List” of the certifying body before applying a product. Ensure that all products used as pesticides are also approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
Overall plant-health considerations
- It is recommended that organic potatoes be grown in a minimum of a 4-year rotation to minimize yield losses from soil-borne diseases such as Verticillium wilt, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia
- General soil fertility must be maintained by a well-planned management system involving rotations, legumes, straw and composted manure.
- Manure plays an important role in providing plant nutrients, however, organic producers must ensure that the manure has been composted properly and meets the standards approved by the certification authority
- Organic producers cannot use a fungicide seed piece treatment, so it is recommended that whole seed be planted. Whole un-cut seed tubers are less likely to become infected with soil borne diseases than cut seed pieces. See Section 3.2 Seed Selection, Storage and Cutting for more details
- Plant low generation certified seed, which has a lower incidence of seed borne diseases
- Certain certifying agencies and end-users may require the use of organic seed. Organic producers must clarify this prior purchasing seed
- Vigorously growing potato plants are more resistant to insects and diseases than plants under stress. For example, the main prevention for early blight is ensuring that a potato crop has an adequate, season-long supply of nitrogen. Adequate soil moisture in the presence of adequate plant nutrition will assist in maintaining overall plant health
- Potatoes should be planted after risk of frost has passed and when rapid emergence will reduce risks of seed decay…Post-plant cultivation (hilling, harrowing and hilling) is effective in controlling annual weeds, however, excessive cultivation or cultivation at the wrong time may reduce yield.Because growers need to farm organically for three years prior to being certified organic, they will not receive premiums on potatoes or any other crop grown in the rotation. For example, returns for potatoes grown organically with conventional prices would have been considerably less profitable per acre. At issue for the grower is the long-term potential benefits of price premiums, alternative production methods that are more competitive on yields and costs, and environmental benefits.
- We can operate farms for SOYA BEANS, RICE, WHEAT, OATS, and any staple crops. Our goal is to involve individuals and companies to operate profitably and also to harvest premium quality products safe for human consumption….Contact US today…