Maintaining Accountability and Compliance
Accountability: Our operations have continually scored above the industry average in assessments and have been recognized for our sustainable practices. Our commitment extends to also continually investigate and initiate new sustainable practices. This includes our participation in a number of programs, as well as adopting best management practices recommended by university experts.
- The IPM program is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on current and comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. We hope to continue to incorporate IPM practices with modern equipment and application methods to minimize the potential for drift or exposure to any nutrients, irrigation or crop protection.
- The GAP program includes specific farming methods that create food for consumers or further processing that is considered safe and wholesome. Many of our sustainable farming practices have been confirmed by independent third-party audits that have been conducted on our farms.
- The Potato Sustainability Alliance focuses on defining, measuring and advancing potato sustainability using robust metrics to drive improvements and profitability while protecting the environment. Annually, R.D. Offutt Farms participates in PSA’s Sustainability Survey, evaluating our operational nutrient use efficiency, irrigation use efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, pesticide risk, worker safety and waste & recycling. Our farms routinely score in the “expert” category for recommended sustainability practices.
- R.D. Offutt Farms implements nitrogen best management practices, as recommended by Dr. Carl J. Rosen and Dr. Peter M. Bierman, Department of Soil, Water, And Climate, University of Minnesota, in the Extension Publication "Best Management Practices for Nitrogen Use: Irrigated Potatoes."
Compliance: R.D. Offutt Farms is compliant with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan, which is the state’s blueprint for the prevention or minimization of the impacts of nitrogen on groundwater. Additionally, R.D. Offutt Farms participates in MDA’s local monitoring networks, used to evaluate water quality trends in townships and drinking water supply management areas. Annual reports can be found on MDA’s website.
