Local Growers Participate in Potato Industry Leadership Institute
WASHINGTON, DC – March 16, 2006 – Three potato farmers from Washington participated in the 2006 Potato Industry Leadership Institute. Andy Pickel of Lind, Kees Weyns of Othello and Tony Wisdom of Mount Vernon joined 17 other potato growers and industry representatives from across the United States in forming the 2006 class of the Institute, held February 15 through 23. The goal of the Institute is to identify, develop and cultivate new leaders within the potato industry. The Institute focuses on leadership development, public policy, marketing, trade, team building, public communication and presentation skills and more. Participants are selected through state organization nominations and a committee facilitated by the National Potato Council and the US Potato Board, who jointly coordinate the program. The Institute receives a major sponsorship from Syngenta, who has long been committed to leadership development in agriculture.
The 2006 Institute began in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where participants met with met local potato industry leadership and toured the USDA/ARS potato research facility, Ryan Potato Company’s wash plant, Associated Potato Grower’s wash plant, Barrel o’ Fun Snack Foods Company, JR Simplot’s potato processing plant and met with representatives from RDO Food Group. The 2006 Institute then traveled to Washington, DC, where the focus moved to legislative and regulatory priorities for the US potato industry and skills training. Training sessions included presentation skills, leadership development, media training, and lobby skills. Participants had the opportunity to hear from Secretary of Agriculture Johanns on the upcoming farm bill and WTO negotiations. The program culminated with visits to Capitol Hill where participants put their lobbying training to work.
Ralph Child, a grower from upstate New York, served as the grower leader on the program. Child participated in the 2005 Institute and was elected by his class to lead this year’s program. This year the 2006 Institute elected Matthew Porter of Washburn, Maine, to serve as the grower leader on the 2007 Institute.
“The 2006 Leadership Institute represented all ages and types of operations within the industry. Participants came with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and the Institute raised their awareness to a much greater level,” stated Ralph Child. “Leadership development is critical to the future of the potato industry. Speaking for the 2006 Institute, I can say that everyone not only gained a better understanding of the industry but also of their role within it—we all left with a commitment to better serve the industry in one way or another.”
Chef2Chef News Desk