WISCONSIN - In this piece from the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, author Jenny Heap MS, RDN explores how locally grown potatoes support sustainability, economic resilience, and community wellness across the state:

Though Wisconsin is well known for dairy, the state is fortunate to grow an impressive variety of crops. In addition to being a leading producer of tart cherries, cranberries, beets, sweet corn, and a number of other vegetables, Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for potato production and — with two western states (Idaho and Washington) taking the top spots — is the top potato-producing state east of the Mississippi. Despite this local bounty, only a small percentage of Wisconsin’s food dollars (estimates are in the single digits) stay within the state, indicating that the rest are spent on products sourced outside of Wisconsin. With such rich abundance in our own backyard, there is ample opportunity to shift this imbalance, and this wholesome local produce nourishes consumers in more ways than one. Choosing locally-sourced potatoes is a simple way for Wisconsin consumers to adopt more sustainable consumption patterns while supporting the local economy and nourishing community resilience.

Wisconsin RDNs have a unique role to play in the ecosystem of healthy living, influencing both individual health choices and community wellness. Whether counseling individuals or making menu and sourcing decisions in foodservice settings, RDNs can help cultivate sustainable consumption patterns and foster “sustainable, resilient, and healthy” food systems by encouraging the use of locally-sourced produce, including Wisconsin potatoes.

Environmental Benefits

For consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, buying local just makes sense. Purchasing fare grown nearby substantially reduces food miles — the distance food travels from farm to table — and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Buying local also helps keep farmland productive, preserving open spaces and preventing urban sprawl.

A preference for locally-grown potatoes also lends support to the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® program, an elevated sustainability standard introduced by local growers in the late 90’s. Program participants meet strict research-based sustainability standards related to water and soil conservation and pest management and are certified annually by a third-party. The program also supports farmers in implementing practices that protect pollinators and restore native ecosystems. In essence, buying local supports a farming community committed to preserving the environment and producing high-quality, nutrient-rich potatoes.

In 2012, Adam and Carrie Flyte partnered with Adam’s grandfather to rescue 500 acres of fallowed farmland — and created Flyte Family Farms. Today, they farm over 4,000 acres with their three children and participate in the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® program. In Carrie’s words, “It is important to us as growers to produce high-quality, healthy food that we would feed our families. We practice that tradition by eating what we grow and following research-based sustainability standards.”

Economic benefits

In Wisconsin, potato farming is a heritage. Many operations are multi-generational family farms. Keeping food dollars local supports these farms and farm families, but that’s just the beginning. Buying local helps ensure that growers earn a fair return, strengthening their businesses and allowing them to employ more rural workers. Farmers, in turn, reinvest their dollars locally, boosting the economy, further strengthening the rural workforce, and supporting neighboring businesses that the farming community relies on. 

Rod Gumz co-owns a fourth-generation family farm with his brother, Richard. They grow onions and red potatoes in the rich soils of South Central Wisconsin. Specialty crops like those grown by Gumz Farms generate $6.4 billion in economic activity and — directly or indirectly — are responsible for 132,000 jobs in the state. For Gumz, reinvesting in the community is second nature. “[We do] business locally and reinvest in the region, working with area contractors, suppliers, and professionals.” The way he sees it, “It’s a cycle of support that benefits everyone.”

“Supporting local businesses strengthens the heart of the community,” he continues in the release. “At Gumz Farms, we’re proud to be not only a local farm but also an active partner in several surrounding towns near Endeavor, Wisconsin. We support a range of local organizations, believing that strong communities start with engaged individuals and businesses.”

See the full release here.

RHOME, TX - National Guacamole Day (September 16) fell on Taco Tuesday this year, and ¡Yo Quiero! seized the opportunity to drive retail value with a coordinated consumer marketing and public relations campaign. The brand combined influencer gifting, localized TV segments, podcast appearances, a 24-hour sweepstakes, and targeted social media to make a big splash around the holiday.

Registered dietitians appeared on Dallas morning shows to promote the holiday, highlight ¡Yo Quiero!’s award-winning guacamole, and drive shoppers to local retailers and the sweepstakes. Twenty-five influencers received the “Ultimate Guacamole Package,” complete with a scratch-off quiz to reveal their “Guacamole Personality,” generating buzz across social media. ¡Yo Quiero! also joined The Dumb Zone and The Mom Game podcasts—two popular DFW programs with national audiences—to spotlight its flavors, while a 24-hour sweepstakes awarding a year’s supply of guacamole and branded swag extended engagement beyond the holiday. A targeted social campaign further boosted sweepstakes entries and helped shoppers find ¡Yo Quiero! products at nearby retailers.

As a result, the campaign generated more than 6 million impressions, positioning National Guacamole Day as the perfect time to pick up ¡Yo Quiero! products in store. Two paid influencer partners drew over 200,000 Instagram Reel views, while 25 gifted (unpaid) influencers shared more than 35 posts across social channels, delivering 2.4 million earned impressions from enthusiastic fans. The brand’s website also saw a 210% increase in traffic compared to last year’s holiday - proof that this year’s efforts resonated with consumers.

“National Guacamole Day is a perfect opportunity to show people just how versatile and craveable guacamole can be,” said Tara Murray, Vice President of Marketing at ¡Yo Quiero!, in a recent release. “It’s the perfect moment for us to share fun new ways to enjoy it and get more people tasting our award-winning flavors while building even more love for the brand.”

“Yo Quiero is absolutely my favorite guacamole because the flavor is so fresh,” said Annessa Chumbley, registered dietitian and Emmy-nominated host. “As a parent and dietitian, I love that their guacamole is full of healthy fats that support brain-building and my kids’ nervous systems - it’s a double win as a mom.”

Through its coordinated marketing and public relations efforts, ¡Yo Quiero! continues to position itself as the Ultimate Dip Destination™, meeting shoppers where they’re searching for flavor inspiration and quick, easy hacks. Opportunities to sample the brand’s award-winning guacamoles and new dips are available at booth #1417 at the Global Produce & Floral Show in October.

For more information about ¡Yo Quiero!, contact Jay Alley at [email protected].