Aldicarb, an acutely toxic systemic insecticide has not been used in Wisconsin potato production since 1986. Since the mid-1980's, aldicarb has been banned for use in Wisconsin due to concerns over drinking water contamination. Recognizing the health risk posed by aldicarb, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, (WPVGA) aggressively supported the state's ban on aldicarb.

Wisconsin potato growers worked closely with University of Wisconsin researchers to identify and adopt alternatives that allowed them to eliminate use of this product in potato production.

A Consumer's Union Report, dated February 18, 1999, reported that "the USDA found aldicarb in about six percent of the potatoes it tested in 1997. About 1 in 20 had more than the safe limit for a young child." The report noted that aldicarb permeates produce and can't be washed off.

"Because of the high toxicity of aldicarb and the fact that other compounds can be used to control insects, a conscious decision was made to not use it in Wisconsin," said Linda Gusafson, Executive Director of the WPVGA. "Consumers of Wisconsin potatoes can be assured they are buying a product that is aldicarb free," said Gustafson.

Wisconsin potato growers continue to be proactive in reducing reliance on pesticides in order to address the public's concern over pesticides used in food production. In 1996 WPVGA entered into a precedent-setting collaboration with World Wildlife Fund to accelerate adoption of biointensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems that result in reduced pesticide use, especially highly toxic broad spectrum chemicals. In 1998 World Wildlife Fund gave WPVGA its prestigious "Gift to the Earth Award" for meeting the collaboration's first year goals for pesticide risk reduction and for their proactive leadership on agro-environmental issues.

Through the WWF/WPVGA collaboration, Wisconsin potato growers have set in place ambitious targets for biointensive IPM adoption and for elimination of 11 high-risk pesticides. Growers, IPM researchers, consumer and environmental groups, and independent crop consultants worked together to design and put in place a measurement system to monitor progress in meeting IPM adoption and pesticide reduction goals.

Last Updated on 6/7/99
By Karen Lutz
Email: karen@hillnet.com