Best Management Strategies for Organic Snap Bean Production in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, organic snap bean production for processing currently meets less than one-third of current demand. In spite of price incentives, it is especially difficult for processors to contract sufficient acres to meet demand due to the high risk and low yields associated with larger-scale organic production. The principal limited factors are 1) root rot disease, 2) nitrogen management, 3) seed corn maggot, and 4) availability of certified organic seed. In addition, early maturity and rapid growth is critical to snap bean cultivars to outcompete weeds.