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Employment:
There are approximately 5,500 potato growers in the United
States.
Contribution to U.S. Economy:
Annual US potato production is estimated at 45.6 billion
pounds with the value of production over $2.6 billion. Total value
to the US economy is substantially increased through processing.
Potato growers work closely with processors and others throughout
the supply chain is ensuring quality product is delivered to the
consumer.
Balanced Food Choices:
Potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse.
• A small skin-on
potato, the size of a computer mouse, is only 100 calories and is
an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, and a good source
of fiber and iron.
• Potatoes contain no saturated or trans fat or cholesterol
and are low in sodium. The key to maintaining a healthy, balanced
diet is eating sensible portions of the foods you enjoy in moderation,
and balancing your food choices over time.
• Healthy eating is about balanced choices.
• Dieticians say a healthy diet containing foods high
in potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood
pressure, a risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
• Potatoes are one of the leading sources of vitamin
C in the American diet. In addition to helping to stabilize free
radicals, vitamin C produces the collagen that helps hold bone tissue
together.
• Fiber is beneficial for a healthy digestive system
and may help reduce the risk of some cancers and possibly some heart
disease.
• Potatoes contain antioxidants, including vitamin
C, which may prevent cellular damage.
• Glutathione is an antioxidant that may possibly help
protect against some cancers. Per serving, potatoes, along
with avocadoes, asparagus, squash, okra, cauliflower, broccoli and
raw tomatoes, have the highest glutathione content compared to other
vegetables.
• In a study comparing overall antioxidant activity
of potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, onions and broccoli, potatoes
ranked second highest after broccoli.
• Foods that contain complex carbohydrates, like potatoes,
are the main source of energy for the body and brain.
Environment:
Since 1988, the National Potato Council (NPC) and the Environmental
Protection Agency have worked in partnership to protect the environment
and promote the safe and effective use of pesticides. This relationship
was formalized when the NPC entered into the EPA's Pesticide Environmental
Stewardship Program (PESP), which focuses on reducing the risk from
pesticide use in the production of potatoes. The following three
programs are critical components of the NPC's
PESP:
•
Integrated Pest Management Survey
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Survey is completed by growers
across the US in an effort to evaluate the implementation of environmentally
responsible practices in potato production. The IPM Survey results
are compiled by the NPC and are an important tool in demonstrating
the potato industry's commitment to environmental stewardship and
successes in adopting advanced integrated pest management techniques.
• Potato Crop Tour
Each year the NPC sponsors a Potato Crop Tour to provide policy
makers a firsthand look at potato production. The tour provides
an opportunity for regulators, legislators and congressional staffers
making decisions impacting potato production the opportunity to
spend time in potato fields, visit storage and packing facilities,
see pesticide use and application techniques, and to interact with
growers. Participants, many of whom have never visited a potato
farm prior to the tour, take home the knowledge of real life production
practices and challenges on the farm.
• Environmental
Stewardship Awards and Educational DVD
Each year the NPC recognizes growers throughout the US who have
been engaged in reducing pesticide risk while excelling in potato
production. An educational DVD is produced highlighting the
winner's adoption of integrated pest management, use of cultivation
practices that reduce soil loss and adoption of pesticide application
techniques that reduce risk to workers and the environment. The
DVD provides an inside look at each farm family's commitment to
maintaining the quality of the wildlife, soil, air, and water on
their farms today and for future generations.
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