The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has funded a four-year research project to identify and assess viable substitutes for neonicotinoids in potato crop pest management. The project is supported by Potatoes USA.

For the past 25 years, a type of insecticide known as neonicotinoids, or simply “neonics,” has been widely used in the United States. Neonics’ low application costs and ease of use have made them an indispensable tool for potato growers.

Nevertheless, businesses and consumer demand have shifted away from buying potatoes that use neonics due to environmental concerns. Opponents have connected the widespread use of neonics to environmental contamination, harm to pollinators, and an increase in pest population resistance.

“For example, major retailers like Walmart and Costco have encouraged fresh produce suppliers to phase out the use of neonics in recent years,” according to a recent press release.

Potatoes USA’s Potato Research Advisory Committee (PRAC) selected the Potato IPM project to submit to USDA’s SCRI. PRAC supported the Potato IPM submission with 51 letters of support from national organizations, regional and state organizations, processors, regulators, research entities, and growers in 12 states.