The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) has taken significant strides in promoting sustainability across the potato value chain. Collaborating with over 550 farmers from the U.S. and Canada, the PSA Program aims to streamline existing market tools to define, benchmark, and advance sustainability in potato farming. The program has been made available.
The PSA’s Sustainable Vision for Potato Farming
In the vast landscape of agriculture, the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) stands as a beacon of change, leading the charge towards a more sustainable future for potato farming. Recognizing the intricate balance between agricultural practices and environmental health, the PSA has embarked on a mission to redefine the norms of potato cultivation. This isn’t just about growing potatoes; it’s about cultivating a vision that harmonizes with nature, meets the expectations of consumers, and celebrates the tireless efforts of farmers.
The PSA’s collaboration with over 550 farmers from the U.S. and Canada signifies a collective effort, where each farmer, regardless of the size of their farm, plays a pivotal role. This alliance is not just about numbers; it’s about a shared ethos. Every member, every farmer, brings to the table a commitment to streamline and optimize the tools of the trade, ensuring that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a tangible benchmark.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, dwindling natural resources, and the need for sustainable food sources, the PSA’s initiative offers a glimmer of hope. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when an industry comes together, united by a shared vision, to make a lasting impact.
Through the PSA Program, the humble potato becomes more than just a staple food; it becomes a symbol of sustainable agriculture and a brighter future for all.
Key Highlights:
- Unified Vision: The PSA Program brings together members of the Alliance and farmers to work towards a shared vision of potato sustainability. This vision aligns with customer goals, reduces the sustainability reporting burden, and celebrates the achievements of the farming community.
- Three Pillars of Sustainability: The PSA Program is built on three core sustainability pillars:
- Environmental Stewardship: The Alliance is dedicated to reducing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and food waste. They also emphasize responsible water management practices.
- Farm Legacy: The focus here is on ensuring future farmers can profitably cultivate potatoes on healthy soils while supporting biodiversity.
- Safe and Nutritious Foods: The Alliance is committed to producing safe, affordable, and nutritious potatoes through targeted and responsible pesticide use.
- On-Farm Performance Measurement: The PSA evaluates on-farm sustainability annually through a self-assessment process. Over 550 growers across North America participate in this self-assessment to benchmark their sustainability practices and identify areas for improvement. The program uses Syngenta’s globally recognized Sustainable Outcomes in Agriculture (SOA) standard, facilitated through the Cropwise™ Sustainability app.
- Benefits for Growers and Members: Growers receive real-time performance insights, individual benchmark reports, and full transparency over data sharing. Members, on the other hand, benefit from effortless result sharing, aggregate and anonymized dashboards, and individualized data exports.
- Engagement and Participation: The PSA encourages participation in working groups to standardize the implementation of tools and approaches that align with members’ individual goals and industry requirements.
More than just an organization
The Potato Sustainability Alliance is more than just an organization; it’s a movement. With growers, supply chain partners, non-profit organizations, and advisors working in tandem, the PSA is shaping the future of sustainable potato production in the U.S. and Canada.
For those interested in joining or learning more about the PSA Program, they can reach out to John Mesko, Executive Director, at mesko@potatosustainability.org or Natalie Nesburg, Program Manager, at natalie@potatosustainability.org.
Source: The Potato Sustainability Alliance
Online information about the Program: https://potatosustainability.org/the-psa-program/
