In the early-to-mid 1970’s research on Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) farming systems began to become
available in the wake of three decades of research focusing
on chemical-based systems. Yet thirty years later, IPM, a
more environmentally sound, information-based method of farming
that uses preventative tactics and biological controls, has
made little headway in agriculture or the marketplace. While
most farmers would like to adopt practices that minimize environmental
impacts, these practices are often more labor intensive and
expensive – too risky for farmers that are under increasing
pressure to minimize their expenses or lose the farm.
What is of vital importance is the development of a market
mechanism that will stimulate the commercial-scale adoption
of sustainable practices, and bring the message and practice
of environmental protection to the mainstream farmer and consumer.
By certifying farmer’s adherence to stringent and scientifically-based
production practices, Protected Harvest is in a unique position
to become that mechanism, and overcome the roadblocks to a
more sustainable mode of agriculture.
About Protected Harvest
Protected Harvest evolved out of an unprecedented collaboration
of the World Wildlife Fund, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable
Growers Association, and the University of Wisconsin. These
organizations were brought together by the challenge of developing
a revolutionary large-scale agricultural practice that reduced
the impact on the environment.
Over the course of five years, the collaboration developed
a certification program for fresh market potatoes that meet
stringent Biointensive IPM production and reduced-risk pesticide
standards. By 1999, participating growers achieved an impressive
37% reduction in pesticide “toxicity units,” as
compared to 1995 industry baseline data. [Read
the full research report (PDF)] As far as we know, this
is the only such program to use quantifiable performance measures
for the reduction of high-risk pesticides.
In 2001, Protected Harvest was established as an independent
certification organization, with the principal mission of
advancing and certifying the use of sustainable agriculture
practices through the development of stringent, transparent,
and quantifiable standards.
Today, 10,000 acres of Wisconsin’s potatoes are enrolled
in Protected Harvest’s certification program, and Healthy
Grown® Potatoes, displaying Protected Harvest’s
certification seal, are featured in supermarkets throughout
the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.
Replicating and Expanding Upon the Model
Now that Protected Harvest’s standards and eco-labeling
framework are in place and have been successfully implemented
with Wisconsin potatoes, the project is working to expand
the range of crops, improve the soil and water quality standards,
and add new environmental performance areas, including wildlife
habitat, ecosystem health, and air quality standards. We intend
to establish a leadership role in the development of measurable
eco-standards and in conducting cutting-edge research and
consumer education, and aim to develop standards for 20 new
crops over the next four years.
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