Atchleys Of Idaho Receive Environmental Award

Clen and Emma Atchley of Ashton, ID, were presented with the prestigious 2005 Environmental Stewardship Award at the NPC meeting in Las Vegas on Friday, January 6.

The award is a component of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship program, a partnership between the National Potato Council and the U.S. EPA. It is an effort to honor those who are protecting the environment.

The Atchleys, long-time seed growers, were selected based on their on-farm pesticide risk-reduction practices, use of Integrated Pest Management practices, use of biological control or alternative pest-control methods, water and habitat protection, and resistance management practices--all of which were accomplished without any compromise of yield or quality.

The Atchleys are active in local conservation groups. Clen serves on the Committee of Nine, a group that is charged with ensuring that Idaho's water resources are properly used. He also shares credit with other growers for turning the aging St. Mary's canal from an environmental liability into one of the finest examples of current conservation technology in Idaho.

Emma has served for years on the Henry's Fork Watershed Council, a cooperative effort to improve water quality, preserve habitat and maintain economic risk.

Through a sponsorship of DuPont Agricultural Products, a DVD highlighting the recepient's on-farm strategies and practices was produced. It will be available to show in schools, at ag meetings and to civic groups to demonstrate the industry's commitment to sound environmental stewardship. Complimentary copies can be obtained by e-mailing: spudinfo@nationalpotatocouncil.org.