{"id":4048,"date":"2026-04-22T06:49:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T14:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/klamathid.org\/home\/?p=4048"},"modified":"2026-04-22T06:49:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T14:49:10","slug":"does-this-potato-farmer-grow-the-golden-states-best-spuds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/klamathid.org\/home\/2026\/04\/22\/does-this-potato-farmer-grow-the-golden-states-best-spuds\/","title":{"rendered":"Does This Potato Farmer Grow the Golden State\u2019s Best Spuds?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><em>Original story at <a href=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/blog\/potato-farmer-staunton-farms\/\">Does This Potato Farmer Grow the Golden State\u2019s Best Spuds?\u00a0<\/a><br \/>\nArticle by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/meet-our-california-grown-creators\/\" target=\"_self\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Hilary Rance<\/a>. Photography by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/jamescollier.me\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">James Collier<\/a>.<br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In the northernmost part of the state, potato farmer Marc Staunton takes an innovative approach to working with the natural environment. The results are undeniable \u2013 healthy potatoes that are full of flavor and store beautifully throughout the winter.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"Does This Potato Farmer Grow the Golden State\u2019s Best Spuds?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/coT-qqnjjlI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Healthy soils, high elevation and hearty potatoes<\/h2>\n<p>Over the last 120 years, many farmers in the Klamath Basin have developed a unique wetlands rotation system. For example, at Staunton Farms, each field is planted with alternating potato and onion crops over the course of four years. At the end of four years, that field is flooded and allowed to return to its natural state \u2013 wetlands \u2013 for two years. Marc elaborates, \u201cWhat we\u2019ve found is that a two-year full-season flood almost mimics returning back to that natural state of being a perpetual wetland. There\u2019s a dramatic reduction in disease pressure, weed pressures go way down, soil nutrients go way up. It\u2019s like virgin soil that\u2019s never been farmed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong><em> After a two-year wetlands rotation, farmers are left with a nutrient-dense black topsoil, rich with organic matter and naturally PH-balanced. The combination of wetlands and crop rotation optimizes soil health, which helps to expedite time from planting to harvest by about 30 days.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Staunton-Farms-0365.jpg\" alt=\"aerial view of Staunton Farms potatoes\" \/><br \/>\nElevation is another factor that makes the Klamath Basin a great place to grow potatoes. Higher elevation fields demand a shorter growing season, but the cooler nighttime temperatures yield a drastic reduction in disease pressure. Marc notes, \u201cWe\u2019re really high elevation, at 4,200 feet. Our days get really hot in the summer, but our nights get really cool, which leads to really healthy potato plants.\u201d<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Staunton-Farms-5162-2-2-1500x1500.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-background\"><strong><em>For thousands of years, the Tule Lake basin was a natural lake with no outlet \u2013 essentially a reservoir for snow melt. In the early 1900s, the Klamath Reclamation Project served to drain the lake, using the water for irrigation and making the land available for agriculture.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Filling the gap: why potato storage matters<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-54428 size-full entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746.jpg 760w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746-264x250.jpg 264w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746-670x635.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746-150x142.jpg 150w\" alt=\"russet, red and yellow potatoes\" width=\"760\" height=\"720\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746.jpg 760w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746-264x250.jpg 264w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746-670x635.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746-150x142.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6900-e1753911665746.jpg\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Ultimately, the fertile soil and optimal growing conditions yield a potato that stores well for an extended length of time. Marc adds, \u201cWe are able to grow and store potatoes, in a short growing season, that can service the California market through the winter until the spring crop comes off in the desert in California. That\u2019s the same with the onions and the garlic that we grow here. We provide what we call the \u2018end of season\u2019 for California.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Potatoes are harvested from late September through October in the Klamath Basin. However, harvest in the warmer desert regions won\u2019t resume until around mid-March. That gap in production, from November through mid-March, also happens to be the time of year when potatoes are most popular. That\u2019s why it\u2019s incredibly important to have potatoes that store well. It ensures that California Grown potatoes are available throughout the holiday season and into Saint Patrick\u2019s Day. Marc smiles and notes, \u201cWe fit that market perfectly because we have high quality storage potatoes coming at that time.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose CA GROWN potatoes<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The potatoes grown at Staunton Farms are packaged by Cal-Ore Products and proudly labeled with the CA GROWN license plate.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-54427 size-full entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-315x210.jpg 315w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-670x447.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-970x647.jpg 970w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-150x100.jpg 150w\" alt=\"Bag of Cal-Ore russet potatoes with the CA GROWN license plate\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-315x210.jpg 315w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-670x447.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-970x647.jpg 970w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6870.jpg\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Cal-Ore\u2019s General Manager, Ryan Finney, proudly states, \u201cWhen a customer sees the CA GROWN license plate, they will know that they are getting the highest quality potatoes. In my opinion, there\u2019s no better potato than a potato grown in the state of California.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Locals also boast that potatoes grown in this region have a fluffier texture and an earthier aroma. Marc recalls, \u201cThe Oregon potato commission started a taste test a few years back to figure out the terroir of different areas. The Klamath Basin consistently won all the taste tests for four years straight\u201d. He pauses with a laugh and notes, \u201dafter which they just stopped doing it. I do believe that our potatoes taste better \u2013 we have a more full-flavored potato.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cal-Ore Products potatoes are sold at Walmart stores nationwide. Next time you\u2019re shopping for potatoes, look for the CA GROWN license plate!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-54400 entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-315x210.jpg 315w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-670x447.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-970x647.jpg 970w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-150x100.jpg 150w\" alt=\"Cal-Ore potatoes bagged and ready to be sent to retailers\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-315x210.jpg 315w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-670x447.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-970x647.jpg 970w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Retail-Potatoes-6778.jpg\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile has-background\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/blog\/cal-ore\/\" target=\"_self\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-54429 size-full entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-315x210.jpg 315w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-670x447.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-970x647.jpg 970w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-150x100.jpg 150w\" alt=\"Ryan Finney, General Manager at Cal-Ore Produce \" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-315x210.jpg 315w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-670x447.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-970x647.jpg 970w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CAG-Features-Cal-Ore-2396-3.jpg\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Want to learn more about what happens after harvest? Check out our blog post on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/blog\/cal-ore\/\" target=\"_self\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Cal-Ore Produce<\/a>!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/blog\/cal-ore\/\" target=\"_self\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Read it now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile has-background\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Looking for the most delicious ways to enjoy CA GROWN potatoes?\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/recipes\/hasselback-potatoes\/\" target=\"_self\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe with Herbs and Olives<\/a>\u00a0are hard to beat!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/recipes\/hasselback-potatoes\/\" target=\"_self\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Get the recipe<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/recipes\/hasselback-potatoes\/\" target=\"_self\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-52549 size-full entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-315x210.jpg 315w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-670x447.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-970x647.jpg 970w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-150x100.jpg 150w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-315x210.jpg 315w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-670x447.jpg 670w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-970x647.jpg 970w, https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/californiagrown.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CAG-Recipes-SOG-Hasselback-Potatoes-with-Olives-and-Herbs-2990-copy.jpg\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/walking-wetlands-innovator-testifies-before-congress\/\">Walking Wetlands Innovator Testifies Before Congress &#8211; KWUA<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80f9181 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"80f9181\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Walking Wetlands Innovator Testifies Before Congress<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0f95e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d0f95e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-2a16fbf elementor-inline-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/2024\/04\/10\/\"><span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\"><time>April 10, 2024<\/time><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-addfba8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-featured-image elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"addfba8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-featured-image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-4713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-Google-Chrome-240410081431.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1723px) 100vw, 1723px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-Google-Chrome-240410081431.jpg 1723w, https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-Google-Chrome-240410081431-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-Google-Chrome-240410081431-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-Google-Chrome-240410081431-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-Google-Chrome-240410081431-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1723\" height=\"969\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f992a7d elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"f992a7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3><strong>Local Water Users and State Wildlife Managers testify to concerns over the negative consequences of the proposed BIDEH rule change.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>WASHINGTON\u2014Today, a fourth-generation farmer from the Klamath Basin testified before Congress. Marc Staunton\u2019s family has lived and farmed land on the Klamath Project since 1928. A proposed rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) jeopardizes that family heritage. Among other things, the proposed rule would prohibit longstanding agricultural activities on refuge lands unless newly developed, vague standards are met.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI strongly believe that done correctly, conservation and agriculture go hand in hand, and that belief is based on life experience,\u201d said Staunton as he testified before the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries (Subcommittee).<\/p>\n<p>In February, the Service proposed revising the existing Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH) policy and implementing a new rule to guide the management of national wildlife refuges.<\/p>\n<p>In the late 1990s and 2000s, Staunton Farms innovated a unique farming practice that promoted beneficial wildlife habitat and healthy farmlands through a successful program called Walking Wetlands. As historically carried out, leased public lands within the refuge are rotated between wetlands for fish &amp; waterfowl and high-quality productive farmland. This process would become a cornerstone of the family farm\u2019s business, sustaining a critical environment for wildlife and quality produce for human consumption.<\/p>\n<p>Staunton continued his testimony, \u201cThe current draft of the BIDEH rule may have numerous unforeseen and negative consequences both today and in the future. Elimination of agriculture on refuge lands in our basin would severely impact local government, irrigation districts, communities, and farm balance sheets. Even though the Kuchel Act authorizes agriculture in the Klamath Refuge System the vague nature of the BIDEH language opens the door for legal and judicial interpretation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMoreover, the proposed rule undermines the principles of local control and inhibits innovation by forcing top-down mandates that neglect regional nuances and challenges,\u201d added Staunton. \u201cBy coming from a place of \u201cno, unless\u201d the rule impedes the ingenuity of creative minds and experience of agriculture as a purpose within the ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR-R), Chair of the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, said, \u201cEgregiously the rule creates a default position prohibiting use of management tools essential to protect the use of our refuge system. For example \u2013 management tools to include normal and historical agricultural practices and native predator control are prohibited unless a full NEPA process and\/or other bureaucratic nightmares such as site-specific peer review are completed. The service under this rule is instantly prohibiting practices and means of working on and around refuges restricting the discretion of refuge managers and putting at risk the very purpose of individual refuges.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lease land producers have a great relationship with the staff of the Klamath Basin Refuge Complex and have been able to support and address wildlife needs and concerns year after year. Whether there is minimal water or an abundance, producers, and staff collaborate on maximum refuge benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Bentz asked Staunton what his greatest concern is regarding the proposed ruling; Staunton answered, \u201cMy concern with this rule stems back to what you asked \u2013 purpose versus use. I think it\u2019s really important\u2026that although our relationship is strong with our local staff [now], we do not know what may happen [in] ten years. There may be a new refuge manager that comes in, and his directive is that we start with \u201cno agriculture\u201d because that is how the rule reads. My point would be if agriculture seems like a very important factor to the refuge system management, [then] the rule should reflect that.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4714\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4714\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4714 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-20240410080713606-1024x570.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-20240410080713606-1024x570.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-20240410080713606-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-20240410080713606-768x428.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-20240410080713606-1536x855.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iScreen-Shoter-20240410080713606.jpg 1726w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"570\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4714\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Government officials and witnesses gather for a hearing regarding the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries regarding the proposed BIDEH rule changes by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This proposed rule change goes beyond farming in Southern Oregon and Northern California. It has the potential to affect communities throughout the United States. A representative of the National Organization of State Wildlife Agencies also testified against the proposed rule. Alaskan Natives who rely on refuge lands are also in jeopardy of consequences of decisions made thousands of miles away without any consultation with the people who live there.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere has been talk about people who visit refuges, many Alaskans live on refuges,\u201d stated Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola (AK-D). \u201cWe have lived there as long as we can remember, and then it became a refuge in the sixties. So, this is not a choice; this is not us going out of our way to visit, this is where we live.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Peltola continued, \u201cThis proposed rule has a national focus\u2026while it addresses predator control, it also addresses other issues that the service says have been impacted by climate change and anthropogenic activities. However, this rule has the same result in Alaska \u2013 predator control would fall to refuge managers rather than the state and the people who live closest to the resources and have always lived there.<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Peltola asked how the Service could put forward a rule that appears to violate the Congressional Review Act.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAgriculture has and will continue to play a critical role in the idea, adoption, and implementation of projects that meet statutory requirements, fulfill refuge purposes, and ensure biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health,\u201d said Staunton.<\/p>\n<p>Staunton concluded his testimony by stating, \u201cThe heavy hand of government and the looming threat of more litigation will not create a healthier, holistic ecosystem for our refuge. We are a community of local people embracing our role in the ecosystem, understanding the distinct challenges, and developing solutions as unique as our landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>KWUA strongly opposes the Service\u2019s proposed new rule, which would threaten historical agricultural practices on the Klamath Basin Refuge Complex and other national wildlife refuges. We call on the Service to review the proposal, do the right thing for the ecosystem, and, more importantly, protect the farming community and the $30 million crop value on the leased lands.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-DDztLBEtWI.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A replay of the hearing can be found at<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-DDztLBEtWI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-DDztLBEtWI<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/kwua-in-dc-staunton-to-testify-in-congress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Additional information on Marc Staunton\u2019s written testimony and background can be found at<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/kwua-in-dc-staunton-to-testify-in-congress\/\">https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/kwua-in-dc-staunton-to-testify-in-congress\/<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>Background on the proposed BIDEH rule<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>In a press release on February 1, 2024, the FWS stated, \u201c[The proposal] will help\u00a0provide a consistent, transparent, and science-based approach for evaluating both existing and new management practices at national wildlife refuges, in support of the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. These proposals will support conservation throughout the Refuge System and equip wildlife refuge managers with a framework to better tackle the dual threats of\u00a0climate change\u00a0and biodiversity loss.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new regulations that would establish a policy to prohibit farming and grazing on public lands in the national wildlife refuge system, unless new, extra-statutory criteria are satisfied,\u201d Dan Keppen, Executive Director of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyfarmalliance.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Farm Alliance<\/a>\u00a0stated in March. \u201cThis proposal is an update of a policy issued during the last week of the Clinton Administration, and targets \u2013 and points to the elimination of \u2013 longstanding and widespread agricultural practices on those public lands.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPerhaps our biggest concern with the proposed regulation is that the notice of rulemaking recites reductions in wildlife populations and climate change but does not link the specific policy changes to these underlying concerns,\u201d explains Keppen.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>About Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Since 1953, the KWUA is a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation representing the interests of Klamath Project farmers and ranchers. KWUA members include rural and suburban irrigation districts, public agencies, and private individuals who operate on both sides of the California\/Oregon border. These entities and individuals typically hold water delivery contracts with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The Project is home to over 1,200 family farms and ranches; KWUA\u2019s member districts deliver irrigation water to over 170,000 acres of some of the most incredibly productive farmland in the Western United States.<\/p>\n<p>KWUA\u2019s mission is to preserve and enhance the viability of irrigated agriculture for our membership in the Klamath Basin for the benefit of current and future generations.<\/p>\n<p>KWUA is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors representing Project districts. The Association employs an Executive Director and staff to execute policy decisions.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>Press Release<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kwua.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/20240410-KWUA_PR-Walking_Wetlands_Innovator_Testifies_Before_Congress.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact Information<br \/>\n<\/strong>Brian Gailey,\u00a0<em>Director of Marketing &amp; Public Relations<\/em><br \/>\n541-883-6100 Office \u2022 541-810-3133 Cell \u2022 brian@kwua.org<\/p>\n<p><em>Cover photo caption: Fourth-generation farmer Marc Staunton testifies before the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries regarding the proposed BIDEH rule changes by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. (April 10, 2024)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Original story at Does This Potato Farmer Grow the Golden [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4050,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,17,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured_growers","category-socialmedialinked","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Does This Potato Farmer Grow the Golden State\u2019s Best Spuds? - Klamath Irrigation District<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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