What are some of the practices that Protected Harvest certified growers are required to employ?

For a crop to become certified by Protected Harvest, one requirement of farmers is that they frequently monitor (or scout) their fields, so that they can make the best decisions as to how to manage the threat of any pests. By understanding the natural life cycle of pests and identifying their natural enemies, farmers can skillfully employ techniques that minimize impacts on the environment. This approach is known as Biointensive Integrated Pest Management (BioIPM) – and is just one component of the Protected Harvest certification program.

To learn more in depth about the practices that growers must use, we invite you to read a more complete description of our Standards.

What crops does Protected Harvest currently certify, and where can I source them?

Potatoes from Wisconsin are the first Protected Harvest certified crop to hit the shelves. Potatoes that pass certification are collectively marketed by Wisconsin farmers under the “Healthy Grown” brand, and can be purchased from shippers who are also certified by Protected Harvest (find a shipper).

Protected Harvest is in the process of developing a certification program for dairy, almonds, tomatoes, plums, peaches, nectarines, winegrapes, and a variety of other fresh produce – but because our standards are very stringent – it will take a little time before we can develop a set of production practices that are stringent enough to carry the Protected Harvest seal – and earn endorsement by environmentalists, farmers, and scientists. Check back to our website frequently to get updated on new crops.

How can I promote Healthy Grown potatoes and Protected Harvest certified foods in my store?

You can download logos from our site for all your advertising, presentation, or media needs. You can also preview and order free Point-of-Purchase materials (great posters, signs, and recipe booklets) directly from Healthy Grown.

Contact us to learn more about partnering with Protected Harvest and how we can support your sales.

How are Protected Harvest, Healthy Grown, and the World Wildlife Fund connected?

Potatoes that pass Protected Harvest certification are collectively marketed by Wisconsin farmers under the “Healthy Grown” brand. Their potatoes come in 3, 5, and 10-pound bags – which carry both the Protected Harvest certification seal and the World Wildlife Fund’s panda bear logo. The Healthy Grown farmers received the World Wildlife Fund’s prestigious “Gift to the Earth” award, for their leadership and extraordinary efforts in reducing reliance on high-risk pesticides. The farmers’ success was instrumental in World Wildlife Fund’s decision to allow the use of its logo on bags of certified potatoes.

What does it mean for a shipper to be certified by Protected Harvest?

Maintaining the integrity of the chain-of-custody is imperative for any farm or food company involved with eco-labeling. Protected Harvest requires an audit that follows the crop from field to retail. Inventory logs must be maintained listing lot codes that trace the crop back to the field, and if product is transferred between growers or facilities, all pertinent documents (i.e. pallet tickets, picking tickets, purchase/sales orders, and bills of lading) must specify that certified product is being transferred. Certified shippers pass all the requirements by Protected Harvest for maintaining chain-of-custody. Processors must also follow the same requirements. There are no certification requirements for retailers.

Is Protected Harvest certification the same as organic certification?

Protected Harvest certification is not the same as organic certification, in that farmers are allowed limited use of manmade pesticides. While organic agriculture is an extremely important model, organic agriculture accounts for less than one half of one percent of all crop acreage in the United States. Meanwhile, over one billion pounds of pesticide active ingredients are still used annually in agriculture in the United States. Protected Harvest allows you to provide your customers with a new choice in the marketplace, by offering products that meet their taste, quality, availability, and price standards – that are also good for the environment. It is important to understand that no one method of agriculture is going to solve all problems, all the time – Protected Harvest provides a new choice.

Are there other eco-labels, and how are they different from Protected Harvest?

“Eco-label” is a broad term that according to the Consumers Union, means, “A seal or logo indicating that a product has met a set of environmental or social standards.” While there are certainly some good eco-label groups out there, there are also those whose claims are unsubstantiated. A key component to a good eco-label is that the claims are measurable, verifiable, free of conflict-of-interest, and available to the public. Protected Harvest meets and exceeds all of these core elements, but most importantly – Protected Harvest has been aggressive in setting very challenging goals, including the adoption of Biointensive IPM practices, the reduction of pesticide use, and the development of performance measures for soil and water quality, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem health. Our label makes it easier for consumers to identify and support farmers and food companies that are truly making a difference.