Sustainability a focus at annual Potato Association of America meeting

Washington Ag Today August 27, 2010 The Potato Association of America, a professional organization representing the major disciplines associated with potatoes, recently held its annual meeting in Corvallis, Oregon. As Director of Research for the Washington State Potato Commission Andy Jensen attends the meeting. He says this year the opening symposium focused on sustainability and sustainability audits.

Jensen: “And so there were invited speakers who talked about integrated pest management and sustainability standards that are being developed by various organizations around the country.”

Jensen says Washington and Wisconsin are probably the leaders in being on top of the changes the industry faces in terms of sustainability.

Jensen: “We feel like we are in pretty good shape and we are definitely trying to help the industry adjust to sustainability issues.”

The meeting annually features a graduate student presentation competition and Jensen says this year a Washington State University student won. That was Daniel Zommick.

Jensen: “He was discussing a physiological problem that occurs in a certain variety of potatoes known as Premier. He studied the biochemistry of that problem with the hope that knowing the biochemistry of that problem it will be something that can be avoided or managed in the future.”

Another WSU student, Chris Hiles, won fifth place in that competition.

That’s Washington Ag Today. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today. Good health tomorrow. I’m Bob Hoff on Northwest Aginfo Net.