What are some of the practices that Protected Harvest certified growers are required to employ?

For a crop to become certified by Protected Harvest, one requirement of farmers is that they frequently monitor (or scout) their fields, so that they can make the best decisions as to how to manage the threat of any pests. By understanding the natural life cycle of pests and identifying their natural enemies, farmers can skillfully employ techniques that minimize impacts on the environment. This approach is known as Biointensive Integrated Pest Management (BioIPM) – and is just one component of the Protected Harvest certification program.

To learn more in depth about the practices that growers must use, we invite you to read a more complete description of our Standards.

What crops does Protected Harvest currently certify, and where can I buy them?

Potatoes from Wisconsin are the first Protected Harvest certified crop to hit the shelves. Potatoes that pass certification are collectively marketed by Wisconsin farmers under the “Healthy Grown” brand. Protected Harvest is in the process of developing a certification program for dairy, almonds, tomatoes, plums, peaches, nectarines, winegrapes, and a variety of other fresh produce – but because our standards are very stringent – it will take a little time before we can develop a set of production practices that are stringent enough to carry the Protected Harvest seal – and earn endorsement by environmentalists, farmers, and scientists. Check back to our website frequently to get updated on new crops, or sign up for our newsletter!

Meanwhile, you can find “Healthy Grown” potatoes in a store near you (or be sure to ask your grocer to carry them)!

How are Protected Harvest, Healthy Grown, and the World Wildlife Fund connected?

Protected Harvest evolved out of an unprecedented collaboration of the World Wildlife Fund, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, and the University of Wisconsin. These organizations were brought together by the challenge of developing a revolutionary large-scale agricultural practice that reduced the impact on the environment. Over the course of five years, the collaboration developed a certification program for fresh market potatoes that meet stringent Biointensive IPM production and reduced-risk pesticide standards. In 2001, Protected Harvest was established as an independent certification organization, with the principal mission of advancing and certifying the use of sustainable agriculture practices through the development of stringent, transparent, and quantifiable standards.

Potatoes that pass Protected Harvest certification are collectively marketed by Wisconsin farmers under the “Healthy Grown” brand. Their potatoes come in 3, 5, and 10-pound bags – which carry both the Protected Harvest certification seal and the World Wildlife Fund’s panda bear logo. The Healthy Grown farmers received the World Wildlife Fund’s prestigious “Gift to the Earth” award, for their leadership and extraordinary efforts in reducing reliance on high-risk pesticides.

Is Protected Harvest certification the same as organic certification?

Protected Harvest certification is not the same as organic certification, in that farmers are allowed limited use of manmade pesticides. While organic agriculture is an extremely important model, organic agriculture accounts for less than one half of one percent of all crop acreage in the United States. Meanwhile, over one billion pounds of pesticide active ingredients are still used annually in agriculture in the United States. Since an overriding goal of Protected Harvest is to make the world a less toxic and healthier place, the founders realized that a new approach was necessary. That realization became the groundwork for Protected Harvest – resulting in environmentally friendly foods that are realistic for farmers to produce and affordable for consumers to buy.

Are there other eco-labels, and how are they different from Protected Harvest?

“Eco-label” is a broad term that according to the Consumers Union, means, “A seal or logo indicating that a product has met a set of environmental or social standards.” While there are certainly some good eco-label groups out there, there are also those whose claims are unsubstantiated. A key component to a good eco-label is that the claims are measurable, verifiable, free of conflict-of-interest, and available to the public. Protected Harvest meets and exceeds all of these core elements, but most importantly – Protected Harvest has been aggressive in setting very challenging goals, including the adoption of Biointensive IPM practices, the reduction of pesticide use, and the development of performance measures for soil and water quality, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem health. Our label makes it easier for consumers to identify and support farmers and food companies that are truly making a difference.

How can I learn more about the issues associated with agriculture and the environment?

Protected Harvest lists articles and links about the issues associated with agriculture and the environment on our Learn More page.