Organic potato farmers and researchers in the West engaged in strategic planning for pest management to guide future research, regulatory actions, and educational efforts. In January 2008, the work group met to discuss their management strategies for nematodes, insects, diseases, weeds, and vertebrate pests affecting organic potatoes. They identified their research, regulatory, and educational needs for each type of pest and voted on their highest priorities. The top needs identified were as follows:

1. Research the impact of long-term organic soil management on pests and soil health.
2. Designate organic as a priority area for the IR-4 Project (a USDA program that helps register pest management technologies for specialty crops).
3. Establish a clearinghouse to provide comprehensive information on organic potato pest management.

The pest management strategic plan (PMSP) for organic potato production in the West was published on the USDA website in December 2008. Since the completion of the PMSP, five researchers have used it to secure funding for studies on organic potato pest management, while two others have utilized it as a resource. This marked the first time the USDA pest management strategic planning process was applied to an organic crop.