News

Romain Cools, President and CEO of the World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) is pleased to announce that three new Directors are being be appointed to its Board effective July 1, 2020. Dr. Nigel Crump, Australia and Mrs. Elven Huang, China are former WPC International Advisors and Mr. Bret Nedrow, USA are all welcomed additions to WPC bringing with them vast experiences in the global potato industry.

Dr. Nigel Crump

Dr. Crump has a PhD in Agricultural Science and a diverse background in a number of sectors including science, industry and government. He has extensive experience in business process, service, operations, planning and policy making. Strong background in formulating and implementing policy to support trade using good science-based rationale, particularly in relation to potato pest and disease issues.

Dr. Crump is the General Manager, Victorian Certified Seed Potato Authority (ViCSPA) a not-for-profit and industry based organization in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of science and technology for the practical advancement of the seed scheme and the facilitation of trade. Dr. Crump is also actively involved in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Specialized Section on Seed Potatoes, representing Australia.

Elven Huang

Mrs. Yayun (Elven) Huang graduated from the Department of Economic and Trade Foreign languages Quanzhou Agricultural University of Fujian, China. Mrs. Huang founded Hong Kong Gsun Metal International Trading Co., Ltd mainly engaged in the import and export of precious metals. In 2009, she came to Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province to investigate the humic acid project, and founded Yunnan Greentech Co., Ltd.

In 2015, she established Yunnan Tumama Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Mrs. Huang led the company team to develop the company into a well-known enterprise in Yunnan Province. She adhered to the management concept of “Enrich the soil, environment friendly, and poverty alleviation”, and devoted herself to the protection of soil ecology and sustainable agricultural development. She has received recognition for her innovation and leading science and technology enterprises. Mrs. Huang’s organization is a member of the China Environmental Protection Industry Association.

Mrs. Huang is also involved in her other company Yunnan Tudobang Agriculture Development Co. Ltd.

Bret Nedrow

Bret A. Nedrow started his life and career in potatoes on a seed potato farm in Ashton, Idaho, USA. Educated at the University of Idaho with a B.S. in Agribusiness Management and a M.S. in Agricultural Economics. Bret has been involved in the potato processing world for 22 years starting with Nestle Food Service in Moses Lake, WA. He also assisted with the startup of the grading company Ag World Support Systems LLC. Bret currently works for The JR Simplot Company and has for 20 years in Washington, Idaho, North Dakota, and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba in various positions in potatoes. He is currently the Director of Raw Procurement overseeing North America potato operations, raw development, and sustainability for the Simplot Food Group. Bret is also a current member of The Potato Association of America.

On behalf of the entire WPC Board, President Cools wishes to thank departing Directors David Thompson, Ghislain Pelletier and Ron Gall for their many years serving on the Board and for their tireless work and dedication on behalf of the World Potato Congress Inc.