Purchasing Nuclear Seed
The Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP) offers thoroughly tested, virus-free nuclear minitubers and seed pieces for purchase. Our tissue culture (pre-nuclear) collection includes over 150 different varieties, and this list continues to expand! Each year, approximately 60 varieties are selected from our tissue culture plantlets for nuclear production based on industry interest.
Our nuclear production facilities include:
- 15,000 square feet of greenhouse space dedicated to hydroponic production using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT).
- 5,000 square feet of greenhouse space devoted to a non-peat-based potted production system.
The NFT systems operate on a two production cycles per year schedule, while the potted production system runs once per year. We maintain both growing methods to accommodate the unique preferences and requirements of different varieties.
Some of our most popular varieties currently in nuclear production include:
- Russet varieties: Silverton (SLV), Plover Russet (PRS), and Russet Norkotah (RNK)
- Chipping varieties: Atlantic (ATL), Lamoka (LMK), and Snowden (SNO)
- Red varieties: Dark Red Norland (DRN)
A comprehensive list of varieties and breeding lines available for nuclear production can be found on our website or by clicking HERE.
Our nuclear material is competitively priced. For minituber pricing inquiries, please reach out to our team prior to placing your order.
Ordering and Cancellation Policy
Nuclear Material Ordering and Fulfillment Policies
Early generation nuclear material orders (including minitubers and seed pieces) must be placed approximately 18 months in advance to ensure fulfillment. The Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP) requests that all nuclear material orders be submitted by November 15th of each calendar year in order to acquire material for delivery two spring seasons later. For example, a buyer placing a minituber order on October 1, 2024, would receive the requested material in spring 2026. It is important to note that WSPCP does not transfer nuclear material orders from year to year.
Although WSPCP will make every effort to accommodate orders placed after the November 15th deadline, these late submissions are not guaranteed for fulfillment two seasons out. Late orders will be evaluated individually, and buyers will be contacted to discuss availability based on production yields. For example, a buyer placing an order on or after December 1, 2024, may receive all, part, or none of the requested minitubers in spring 2026.
WSPCP is committed to striving for full order fulfillment. In the event that an order cannot be completely filled, the buyer will only be charged for the quantity delivered. For instance, if a buyer places an order for 2,000 minitubers but only 1,000 minitubers are available, the buyer will be billed solely for the 1,000 minitubers provided.
All nuclear seed is sold “as is” due to the perishable nature of seed potatoes and their susceptibility to damage or contamination from various causes. WSPCP is not liable for any latent or undetected diseases, pests, defects, or disorders. The program maintains rigorous harvest and storage monitoring practices to prevent varietal mixtures; however, in the rare case that a varietal mixture occurs, WSPCP will work closely with the buyer to assess the situation, although no liability is assumed.
Upon receipt of their nuclear seed order, buyers have 72 hours to notify WSPCP of any concerns related to quality.
Processing Fee
-
A $150.00 processing fee will be added to each order placed by U.S. entities. A single order may include multiple varieties.
-
A $300.00 processing fee will be added to each order placed by non-U.S. entities (e.g., Canada). All required export documentation is included in the processing fee for non-U.S. entities.
Shipping Fee
-
Shipping costs are an additional fee and vary depending on the shipping location and urgency.
-
Shipping estimates can be provided upon request; however, final shipping costs will be determined at the time the shipping label is created and will be billed accordingly.
-
WSPCP utilizes UPS for all shipments, offering very competitive rates.
-
We also accept prepaid UPS or FedEx labels or customer-provided shipping account numbers. Shipping numbers can be included on the order form, and prepaid labels can be coordinated with WSPCP staff.
-
If preferred, nuclear material may be picked up directly from the UW Starks Seed Farm by prior arrangement on an agreed-upon date and time.
Cancellation Policy
Nuclear material order cancellations made:
- On or before November 15th in the calendar year the order was placed: 100% refund.
- From November 16th to December 31st in the calendar year the order was placed: 75% refund.
- From January 1st to December 31st of the following year after the order was placed: 25% refund.
- After January 1st in the planting calendar year will not receive a refund.
There are no exceptions to the cancellation policy.
Surplus Notifications
Prior to the spring season, WSPCP will post a list of uncontracted nuclear material available for purchase. Please reach out to WSPCP staff if you have any interest in acquiring these. Surplus orders will be filled as they are received. Buyers may not reserve surplus material prior to distribution of spring surplus lists.
Minituber Ordering
WSPCP welcomes nuclear material order inquires at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs. WSPCP staff is happy to work with you to develop a timeline that fits your needs.
If you are interested in purchasing nuclear generation minitubers or seed pieces of varieties already in our collection, please fill out the online “Nuclear Material Order Form” below. We will be in touch in 1-3 business days to discuss the availability of minitubers and production timeline.
NUCLEAR MATERIAL ORDER FORM
If you would like us to produce minitubers or tubers of a variety not currently available through our lab, please fill out the ‘New Variety Order Form’ below and we will be in touch in 1-3 business days to discuss options.
NEW VARIETY ORDER FORM