Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
ens Page 7 of 11 <br /> � 1 <br /> The research was funded by the Northeast <br /> Regional Center for Rural Development, and by <br /> Citizens for Pennsylvania' s Future . Read the report <br /> at : http : //www . landuse . aers . psu . edu/ <br /> Potato Growers Honored For <br /> Environmental Actions <br /> WASHINGTON, DC , June 13 , 2003 (ENS) - A <br /> partnership between WWF , the conservation <br /> organization, Wisconsin potato growers , and <br /> university researchers to reduce pesticide use <br /> received the Department of Agriculture' s <br /> " Secretary' s Honor Award . " <br /> Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman presented the <br /> award to the Eco -Potato Partnership for <br /> " maintaining and enhancing the nation' s natural <br /> resources and environment . " <br /> The six year collaboration between the Wisconsin <br /> Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, the <br /> University of Wisconsin, and WWF resulted in the <br /> accelerated adoption of integrated pest <br /> management systems . and reduced reliance on <br /> toxic pesticides . The partnership led to the <br /> establishment of Protected Harvest, an <br /> independent ecolabel . <br /> Wisconsin potatoes are the first product certified <br /> under the Protected Harvest label and are marketed <br /> under the brand " Healthy Grown . " To qualify for <br /> the Protected Harvest seal , crop management <br /> practices must be employed that reduce the use of <br /> toxic pesticides , improve soil and water quality, <br /> and protect wildlife habitat . <br /> " The World Wildlife Fund is thrilled about the <br /> success of the Eco -Potato Partnership and pleased <br /> that the Department of Agriculture supports the <br /> work of conventional farmers who are finding <br /> ways to reduce their environmental impact while <br /> remaining competitive, " said Jason Clay, vice <br /> president of the WWF ' s Center for Conservation <br /> Innovation and a member of Protected Harvest' s <br /> board of directors . <br /> httn • //Pnc - nPwc r. om /ens /iun2003 /2003 - 06 - 13 - 09 . asp 06/ 16/2003 <br />