News

The 12th World Potato Congress in Adelaide, Australia provided an opportunity for the WPC Inc. to recognize past and present World Potato Congress Directors, International Advisors and Management. Before an audience of over 800 delegates, the WPC Board, led by President Peter VanderZaag, had the opportunity to celebrate those who have played a key role in the success and progress of the organization.

2024 WPC Board of Directors attending the Australia Congress. Back left to right: Director Brian Douglas, President Dr. Peter VanderZaag, Board Secretary, Dr. Nigel Crump, Director Bret Nedrow, Front left to right: Executive Director Ellen Kouwenberg, Vice President Nora Olsen, Director Jang Bahadur Singh Sangha , Treasurer Greg Donald, Director Jaap Delleman. Missing from Photo, Directors Blair Richardson and Dr. André Devaux

Dr. Nigel Crump, WPC Director and Board Secretary, presented the Ross Trimboli Award for Industry Leadership & Advocacy

In front of a standing ovation at the 12th World Potato Congress Gala dinner in Adelaide, Australia, Dr. Nigel Crump was awarded the Ross Trimboli Award for Industry Leadership & Advocacy. Presented by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, this award was named in honour and memory of South Australian industry leader, Mr. Ross Trimboli, who with his parents and brothers, commenced farming on the Northern Adelaide Plains in the early 1950s.

A press release by Potatoes Australia goes on to read “through determination, Ross founded the Small Potato Farm, specializing in gourmet potatoes. The ladybird emblem is its trademark; the essence of the family enterprise-small and humble and heroes in all shapes and sizes! Ross was also a skilled wine-maker, exporting his acclaimed brand, Hazy Blur, across the world.”

Following a citation read by Robbie Davis, Ambassador to the Australia Congress, Nigel humbly accepted the award stating, “I am over-whelmed by this award; Ross was a truly remarkable advocate for the Australian Potato Industry and to receive this in recognition of Leadership and Advocacy in memory of him is an extraordinary honour.”

Nigel Crump receiving the award from Robyne Trimboli,

Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Trimboli family

Nigel is a potato pathologist with over 20 years’ experience working in the Australian potato industry. “He leads by example and freely shares his knowledge forging partnerships and collaborations nationally and internationally and in particular to combat poverty and food insecurity in developing countries.  This is consistent with the values of the World Potato Congress; of which he is a Director.”

Nigel led the team in Australia to organize the highly successful Congress event in Adelaide in June of this year. He is the General Manager of the Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority (AuSPICA), an industry-based organization that operates the seed potato certification program in South Australia, Victoria and northern New South Wales. He is also Interim Chair of industry organization Potatoes Australia Inc, the host of the Congress.

John Griffin

Presented by Dr. Nigel Crump,  Dr. Peter VanderZaag, and Greg Donald, recognition was extended to John Griffin for his outstanding contributions to the ongoing success of the World Potato Congress (WPC).

John Griffin, the President of W.P. Griffin Inc., has been a steadfast supporter of the potato industry, not just locally in his home province of Prince Edward Island, Canada, but on a global scale through his involvement with the WPC. His dedication to the potato farming and packaging business has been exemplary, with W.P. Griffin Inc. becoming a renowned name in the industry, spanning across the Maritimes, eastern Canada, and the northeastern United States.

Throughout his tenure of over 16 years with the WPC, John has served in various capacities, showcasing his leadership skills and passion for the potato community. From his roles as a board member to ultimately serving as the President and CEO, John has left an indelible mark on the organization. John retired as President from the WPC Board in January 2023.  His invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the WPC into the premier global potato networking organization it is today. His vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us in our mission.

Brian and Jocelyne Douglas

From 2017-2022, the World Potato Congress was operated under the outstanding leadership of Brian Douglas, General Manager and Jocelyne Douglas, Office Administrator.

Brian’s extensive public service career spanning over 41 years, coupled with his profound understanding of the agricultural landscape, has been invaluable to the WPC. A graduate of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, Brian’s roles in various senior-level positions within the Prince Edward Island government have provided him with a deep appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian producers.

Throughout his distinguished career, Brian has held significant roles within the PEI Department of Agriculture, where he served as Director of the Agriculture Resource Division and Manager of Farm Extension Services. His involvement in provincial and national boards and committees related to agriculture and infrastructure renewal further underscores his commitment to the industry.
Brian’s knowledge of the potato industry, both regionally and internationally, has been instrumental in guiding the WPC towards its current success. His time in a voluntary role as WPC Director as well as General Manager have provided him with invaluable insights that have helped shape the direction of the organization.

Jocelyne Douglas embodies the spirit of dedication, service, and community. Her long-standing commitment to Veterans Affairs Canada speaks volumes about her compassion and sense of duty towards those who have served their country. Jocelyne’s involvement with the World Potato Congress and her enthusiasm in working with the Brian and the Board in pulling together Congresses in Peru and in Dublin were evident in these success stories.

Together Brian and Jocelyne have been an indispensable part of the WPC journey. Their dedication, drive, and commitment have played a pivotal role in advancing the goals of the Congress and fostering collaboration within the global potato community. Their tireless efforts have undoubtedly contributed to the growth and success of the World Potato Congress, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

Mr Xiaoping Lu

This past July, The World Potato Congress Inc.’s (WPC) Board of Directors congratulated Mr Xiaoping Lu upon his retirement from the World Potato Congress Inc. as an International Advisor.

In 2011, Xiaoping was chosen to be the founding Director of CCCAP, an international center of CIP with objectives to improve potato and sweet potato value chains in China and Asia. Xiaoping, with his previous 30 years of work in International agricultural policy with the  Ministry of Agriculture, capably lead the work of establishing and promoting the research and development work of CCCAP.  VanderZaag states, “ WPC  greatly  benefited from his leadership in our work in China, through his guidance in holding the World Potato Congress in China in 2015 and through his leading of over 100 Chinese colleagues to the 2018 WPC congress in Cusco, Peru.”

The WPC and the global potato community has benefited greatly under his leadership and we wish Xiaoping every success.

Thank you to these World Potato Congress Sustaining Partners for their on-going support of our initiatives: