Innovative technology necessary for potato growers to be sustainable

The historic success of U.S. potato growers in providing consumers with safe, abundant, and affordable food, results from the interaction of hard work and the application of innovative technologies. It is vital that growers continue to have access to technologies that meet consumer demand while using less land and conserving soil, water, and energy. This is the opinion of John Keeling, executive vice president and CEO of the National Potato Council. Keeling points out that a certain class of pesticides, neonicotinoids, is currently under fire based on inconclusive science linking their use to the health of pollinators. Similarly, opponents of biotechnology-derived foods want to deny farmers and consumers access to the beneficial traits of these products. Adopting cutting-edge technology makes sense to those who want to increase productivity and better manage production risks. More