World Potato Congress Inc. announces new President and VP

January 13, 2023

Dr. VanderZaag has served the WPC since 2013, initially as an International Advisor and then as a Director. The organisation notes he played a key supporting role in developing the programs for the past three congresses in China, Peru and Ireland. ‘Along with his daughter Ruth and son-in-law Nick, VanderZaag owns and operates Sunrise Potato, a large potato farming operation in Canada. He has served numerous roles in international potato research and development with the International Potato Center and as a visiting professor at Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, China’, according to WPC. ‘Peter has positively impacted national potato programs in Asia and Africa with focus on developing new improved varieties, novel seed potato production and crop management. His knowledge of the potato crop is recognized worldwide’, his predecessor John Griffin underlines.

Integral role

WPC adds that Griffin will be stepping down from his role of WPC President after 16 years of dedicated volunteer service, being involved with the WPC Board of Directors since 2007 serving in various capacities on the Board. ‘Griffin has played an integral role in the growth and development of the non-profit organization over his many years of service and the WPC Board of Directors wishes him well as he continues to focus on his potato operations in Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island’, WPC states.

New VP

Next to the new President and CEO, WPC also announces Dr. Nora Olsen as the new Vice-President of the congress. She is Professor and Potato Specialist with the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Idaho, USA, and has co-authored and presented hundreds of extension and scientific presentations and publications. She was the first female President of the Potato Association of America and has been with the WPC as a Director since 2014. Since then she has been instrumental in launching the WPC webinar series.

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