Senator Testin Updates State Potato Bill

Central Wisconsin (WFHR, WIRI)

Wisconsin State Senator Patrick Testin’s modified Potato Bill was passed by the State Senate earlier this week. This bipartisan bill will protect and support an important industry in both Central Wisconsin and our state.

Potatoes in Wisconsin

Valued at over 300 million dollars per year, potatoes are a highly valued crop in our state. Our state is the third largest producer of potatoes in the country. Wisconsin has had a seed certification program since 1913. This program ensures we have the best crop possible by requiring all seeds be certified. This certification limits diseases like potato blight as well as others. 

Background on Bill

Some farmers in Northern Wisconsin recently used uncertified seeds, and endangered the viability of crops across the state. Instead of destroying the crop per the Department of Agriculture, they chose to pay the fines. The fines for the use of uncertified seed are $150 plus $150 per acre of produced potatoes. While allowed by previous state law, this process puts the entire crop at risk. Senator Testin and the state senate were approached by the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association and the Department of Agriculture following the incident and asked for support in enforcing the law. In response, Senator Testin, with the support of Representative Krug drafted the updated bill.

“Instead of implementing new regulations on potato farmers, Senate Bill 164 takes a practical and proactive approach by increasing penalties and providing DATCP with clear enforcement mechanisms to investigate and contain potential threats to certified seed potato crops. Ensuring their health, traceability and integrity are vital to maintaining both the quality and reputation of Wisconsin-grown potatoes.”- Senator Testin

Importance of Potatoes in Wisconsin

The Central Sands area is a key area for potato crops in the state. Area Growers want to make sure the potato crop stays valuable and remains protected from damage. Potatoes support food security and support large segments of the food supply chain in the state including local processors like McCain, Del Monte, and other agricultural implementors.

Links

To hear about this bill and other work Senator Testin is working on listen to the full interview with James J. Malouf on the Rapids Report.