QUALITY
Successful potato production starts with high-quality seed potatoes. Strict quality standards are ensured via the United States’ seed certification program. Federal and state government inspectors carefully monitor and regulate growing practices, ensuring that the best disease management and production techniques are followed. A key factor in U.S. seed quality is the U.S.’ “limited generation system” in which a seed lot is kept in the production cycle for no more than five years to limit disease build-up.
Certified U.S. seed potatoes are grown in 16 states where the climate is ideal for seed potato production. Long, cold winters kill insects and diseases that reduce seed potato quality. Long, sunny days and cool nights during the growing season lead to vigorous plants and high yields. Many of the seed growing regions are isolated from other commercial production, further ensuring healthier seed potatoes.
All seed that is exported also meets U.S. seed potato export standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is guaranteed to meet the U.S. No. 1 Seed Potato Grade.