Summary: With spring planting season approaching, Montanans are encouraged to plant Montana certified seed potatoes which meet the strictest tolerances in North America for viral, bacterial and fungal diseases.

Contact: Nina Zidack (406) 994-6110 nzidack@montana.edu

While it is a little early to plant potatoes in Montana, it is still a good time to be thinking about your source of seed potatoes. The best bet for quality seed stock is Montana Certified Seed potatoes. Montana seed potatoes meet the strictest tolerances in North America for viral, bacterial and fungal diseases.

"By buying Montana seed potatoes you not only insure that you have the best quality seed for your garden, but you are also supporting Montana potato farmers and helping insure that pests and diseases from potatoes grown outside Montana will not be introduced to threaten our farmers' ability to produce high quality seed," said Nina Zidack, director of the Montana Seed Potato Certification Program at Montana State University.

Nurseries, home improvement centers and grocery stores are all starting to stock seed potatoes. To be certain that the seed comes from Montana, look for a blue tag or certificate on the box or display that says "Montana Certified Seed Potatoes." 

Montana growers produce a wide array of potato varieties including traditional russets, red skinned and  gold fleshed varieties, as well as heirloom, purple skinned, and blue and red fleshed varieties.

Visit the MSU Seed Potato Certification Program at http://www.montanaspud.org/