NOAA Climate.gov recently published an article, “Climate & French fries,” exploring the impact of climate change on America’s potato crop and French fry industry, and referencing Sectoral Applications Research Program (SARP).
Wisconsin ranks third among states in potato production and the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association recently worked with SARP on how to mitigate risks to potatoes from climate change. The Growers Association, led by executive director Tamas Houlihan and funded by SARP, assembled a focus group of growers and advisors to help develop a decision-support calendar for potato production in the event of drought. Released in August 2020, the calendar addresses management decisions for potato crops year-round—from aquifer recharging in the winter months through harvesting the following autumn. Each month, the calendar offers advice on how to deal with common problems.
For more details and context, read the full article at Climate.gov.
