Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) announced the Wisconsin Senate's approval of bipartisan legislation aimed at maintaining the state's position as a leader in potato production. With last year's total acreage valued at $320 million, Wisconsin ranks as the third-largest potato producer in the U.S. and is among the top five states for seed potato production.
The continued strength of Wisconsin's potato industry is attributed to the use of clean, pathogen-free seed potatoes. These seeds are certified by the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, ensuring the crop's quality. However, recent incidents involving residents planting seed potatoes in violation of state statutes threatened the crop's viability. Under current regulations, the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) lacked effective enforcement capabilities.
Senate Bill 164 addresses this issue by enhancing penalties and providing DATCP with clear enforcement tools to manage and mitigate risks to certified seed potato crops. This approach aims to safeguard the health, traceability, and integrity of Wisconsin-grown potatoes without imposing new regulations on farmers.
Source: WisPolitics