World Potato Congress announces board changes

The World Potato Congress has announced that a Canadian potato grower and international researcher, Dr. Peter VanderZaag, becomes the new president and CEO. Since 2013, he has served as an international advisor then as a director. He’s played a supportive role in developing the programs for the past three congresses in China, Peru and Ireland.

Dr. VanderZaag along with his daughter Ruth and son-in-law Nick, own and operate Sunrise Potato, a large potato farming operation near Alliston, Ontario.

He has served in 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.

John Griffin is stepping down from his role as president to spend more time with his potato operations in Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island.

Dr. Nora Olsen, professor and potato specialist with the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Idaho, will be the new vice-chair. She has co-authored and presented hundreds of extension and scientific papers. She’s been a WPC director since 2014, launching a popular webinar series.

The World Potato Congress also welcomes Brian Douglas as a director. He brings previous experience as general manager of the organization.

The 12th World Potato Congress will be held from June 23-26, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia.