Potato production

Sunrise Potato has focused on the sustainable production of both conventional and certified organic potatoes for almost twenty years. We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment while running an economically viable farm. During the growing season, we scout our fields weekly to determine economic thresholds before spraying; this allows us to reduce the amount of pesticide used. We receive regular updates on the status of pests and diseases in Ontario, giving us time to prepare for and prevent problems. We use Neonictinoid chemistry as a seed tuber treatment, which has greatly decreased insecticide use -- especially for Colorado potato beetle control. On our organic crop, we spray a fish emulsion and a molasses mix with copper, zinc, boron and magnesium. These all work together to help delay late blight.

After harvest, we use a cover crop such as rye or winter wheat to protect the fields between production and to add nutrients to the soil once the cover crop is worked back in.
We also rotate our crops regularly, and the diversity promotes soil health. With our organic crop, for example, we have developed a six-year rotation that includes three years of alfalfa, potatoes, spelt, potatoes, and back to alfalfa. Our conventional potato crop alternates with corn, wheat or rye, depending on what the soil needs.

The root of our sustainability strategy is that soil health leads to plant health. Over the years, applications of beef and swine manure have improved our soil quality, which has led to better crop health and further reduces the need for pest and disease control.
Finally, Sunrise Potato has a potato-variety development program to select for clones with resistance to Ontario’s pests and diseases. The selection program focuses on late blight, early dying and scab resistance, as well as on innovative research into varieties that resist insects through selecting for glandular trichomes.

Solar energy

We are in the process of establishing a 250KW solar power plant, utilizing 23,000 square feet of the south-facing roof on our storage facilities. We will be producing 3 phase power for the Ontario Power Authority. This is just another step that SunRISE has taken towards environmental stewardship and the quest for sustainability in all that we do.