Potato Research Program Seeks Proposals
The Montana Potato Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for the Montana Potato Research and Market Development Program to address needs and opportunities for Montana’s potato industry.
Proposals should relate to demonstration projects, applied research, and market development. The following research priorities have been established by the Montana Potato Advisory Committee for the 2021-2022 funding cycle: •Management of potato viruses and their vectors
•Stem and tuber diseases caused by fungi and bacteria (i.e., backleg, scab, soft rot, ringrot)
•Weeds as alternative hosts for potato pathogens.
Following the proposal deadline on Oct. 22, the Montana Potato Advisory Committee will review proposals and make recommendations to the Montana Department of Agriculture for funding. Projects should be innovative and cannot duplicate relevant research already available to Montana potato producers. If relevant research is already available, applicants must explain how proposed research will build upon the previous research.
Montana continues to be a major producer of potatoes and seed potatoes. In 2020, Montana produced 3.2 million CWT of potatoes and the total value of potato production topped $45 million.
Visit funding.mt.gov to apply through the Montana Web-Grants system. Questions on applications can be directed to Dani Jones at 406-444-2402 or Danielle.Jones@mt.gov, or by mail to the MT Potato Research & Development Program, P.O. Box 200201, Helena, MT 59620-0201.
The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr. mt.gov.
