Vista Valley Ag Presented with National Potato Council’s 2016 Environmental Stewardship Award

Boyd Foster of Vista Valley Ag in Ririe, Idaho, received the prestigious 2016 Environmental Stewardship Award during the National Potato Council’s (NPC) 2017 Annual Meeting, held January 6 in San Francisco, CA. The award is a component of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, a partnership between NPC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect the environment and promote the safe and effective use of pesticides.

Foster plants a rotation of potatoes, barley, wheat and alfalfa to reduce pest pressure. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is utilized throughout the farming operation with each field or distinct cropping area being treated according to its specific need. Foster has a direct role in implementing the strategies to endure the long term sustainability of the farm. In order to conserve soil and foster native habitats for animals and insects, he plants a mix of natural grasses on pivot corners. This reduces erosion and provides habitat for native species of birds and animals. Occasionally after nesting season, they mow to reduce the fire risk and allow for new growth. The farm is also a past state winner of the Environmental Respect Award sponsored by DuPont.

Foster has served as a board member for many local boards, co-ops and canal companies, including the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning board. He has represented Idaho on the United States Potato Board, serving two years on the Executive Committee Board and one year as Chairman of Domestic Marketing. He has also been Idaho's delegate to NPC. Currently he serves as a Grower Commissioner on the Idaho Potato Commission, a position he was appointed to by the Governor of Idaho.

To support the community, Foster and his wife hold an Old-Fashioned Potato Pick, scheduled annually for the first Saturday before potato harvest. Community members are invited to bring their families and watch the potato combine dig spuds. They also glean the crop to take home for personal use and storage. This is one way the Fosters share their farm with the community.

A video highlighting the effort made by Foster and his family to preserve and improve the environmental sustainability of their farm is available for use in schools and civic organizations.

(Click picture to watch video)

NPC 2016 Environmental Stewardship Award winner: Vista Valley Ag