In the first quarter of 2025, the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) received four new members. Iowa State University (ISU) is the first Affiliate Member of PSA to join in the University/Government Agency category. The Alliance’s Fresh Marketer Sector welcomes Potato Services of Michigan. Black Gold Farms joins as a Grower Associate, and Tidal Grow AgriScience enters its Allied Industry Sector.

PSA is a pre-competitive, inclusive partnership amongst all parties involved in the potato value chain. By employing strong metrics to promote increases in productivity and profitability, PSA and its members seek to define, assess, and promote potato sustainability. Environmental protection and simplifying the collection and dissemination of farm-level data to end users are the main priorities.

“Our job at PSA is to help the potato industry work together, across business lines, to define, measure and report on potato sustainability. Every time we welcome a new member company or grower, our organizational reach extends further and we become stronger, representing more of the industry,” John Mesko, PSA CEO, mentioned.

ISU – the First University to Join PSA

ISU is the first university admitted to the PSA membership. As a leader in agricultural research and extension, ISU works closely with farmers, industry partners, and policymakers to develop science-based solutions for sustainable food production. ISU brings expertise in socio-behavioral studies, integrated pest management, and resilient cropping systems that align with the Alliance’s mission to ensure a thriving future for potato production.

“Through this partnership, we look forward to advancing sustainability efforts that support both the environment and the growers who feed our communities,” PSA’s representatives declared.

Black Gold Farms has been dedicated to growing high-quality potatoes for nearly a century. What began as a small operation in Forest River, ND has expanded to include ten locations across eight states. The farm has grown many potato types across its history, with a current focus on the production of chip and processed potatoes. Fourth-generation brothers Eric and John Halverson remain committed to continuing the legacy of finding opportunity through innovation.

Tidal Grow AgriScience, a division of Tidal Vision Products Inc., develops revolutionary crop protection and plant nutrition technologies. The Tidal Grow AgriScience product portfolio harnesses science powered by nature to create cutting-edge crop inputs that enable growers to be responsible stewards of the land while simultaneously driving profitability, higher yields, and improved soil and plant health for a healthier population and planet.

Since 1976, Potato Services of Michigan has been a leading supplier and exporter of potatoes across North, Central, and South America.

“Our team ensures seamless coordination of sourcing, grading, washing, packaging, and delivery to meet the unique needs of grocery stores, restaurants, and food service providers. Potato Services believes strongly in a sustainable supply chain. This includes everything from sustainable growing practices used by our growing partners to providing the most economical and carbon-efficient varieties for our customers. We work hard to create a supply chain that is not only sustainable for future generations but one that can meet the demands of our customers with minimal impact on our environment,” Potato Services Michigan mentioned through their official voices.

The Potato Sustainability Alliance consists of growers, supply chain partners, non-profit organizations, and advisors working together to improve the economic, environmental, and social aspects of potato production in the U.S. and Canada.

“In conjunction with our partners, we support the identification and adoption of sustainable production practices and meet consumer and market expectations by benchmarking the farm-level sustainability performance of potato production,” PSA’s representatives concluded.