I first became aware of the amount of pesticides used on potato crops when I read Michael Pollan's book, "The Botany of Desire.
Here's a link to an interview where he says he learned that potatoes get 14 douses of pesticides a year.
http://www.planetaorganico.com.br/pollaneng1.htm
I don't know if that's standard for all growers.
I'm another committable organic gardener & consumer.
