News

A 2023 strategic planning process of the World Potato Congress Inc., has driven forward a few organizational and policy changes, one of them being the launch of a new “Diamond” level to its long standing “Sustaining Partner Program”. The WPC Inc. Sustaining Partners support the work of the WPC Inc. between Congress events, including such activities as educational webinars, efforts around International Day of the Potato and networking opportunities within the global community.

As such, the WPC is delighted to announce that TriCal Group has moved forward from a longstanding WPC Platinum partnership to become our first Diamond level Sustaining Partner. With a legacy rooted in agricultural problem-solving, TriCal Group brings more than 60 years of expertise in soil health and crop productivity to the WPC community.

TriCal Group’s story began in 1961, when three young visionaries—Richard Storkan (a chemical engineer), Jerry Hanes (a plant pathologist), and Robert McCaslin (an entomologist)—launched TriCal, Inc. Their mission was to help growers battle “worn out” soils through the then-novel practice of commercial soil fumigation. From this pioneering start, TriCal mechanized soil fumigation, helping farmers reclaim land threatened by pests and diseases. Over time, their approach grew to encompass a holistic vision for healthy, productive soils, and today, TriCal remains a privately held, family-run group with more than 1,000 employees and operations in over 30 countries. According to President Dean Storkan, “innovation, stewardship, and strong relationships are in our DNA,” and it’s these core values that continue to drive the company forward.

Through this partnership, WPC will be able to expand the reach and impact of its educational webinar series, provide additional bursary support to delegates from Global South countries interested in attending the Congress events, and offer exclusive networking opportunities for industry leaders at the biennial Congress.

TriCal Group’s expert team, including global leaders like Dr. Chad Hutchinson, who also sits as a Director on the World Potato Congress Inc. Board, works hands-on with international growers, sharing best practices for variety selection, crop nutrition, and sustainable disease management tailored to local needs. These knowledge-sharing efforts are reinforced by ongoing field trials and farmer training sessions that address the real-world challenges faced by potato producers.

By managing soil-borne diseases, TriCal Group enables farmers to grow healthier crops, use fewer inputs, and achieve higher marketable yields, even in challenging climates or soils often found in the Global South. In field projects, this has meant farmers can reclaim “worn out” or infested land, restoring both productivity and hope for rural families.

WPC President Peter VanderZaag shares his gratitude in having TriCal Group as a Diamond Partner. “Since joining as a Director, Chad Hutchinson has brought great leadership to the WPC Board of Directors including Co-Chairing the organizing of a Sustainability Workshop for the 2026 Kenya Congress as well as providing guidance on the WPC Finance Committee. Chad and his TriCal Group colleagues have years of experience on the practical applications of the science behind what they do and have brought great benefit to many growers across the global potato world.”

A great example can be found in this recent Spud Smart article and his supports in South Africa.

TriCal Group continues to expand their reach, ensuring that innovations and expertise benefit potato-growing communities in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Their presence at major industry events and direct involvement in WPC’s board, congresses and educational initiatives further supports our shared vision of making a global impact on food security and rural livelihoods.

More information on TriCal Group can be found on their website:  www.tricalgroup.com

More information on the WPC Inc. Sustaining Partner program can be found here.