News

The World Potato Congress Inc. recently held its Annual General Meeting for the 2024-25 year. It was an opportunity to reflect and extend gratitude to the past contributions of outgoing Directors and International Advisors and to welcome newly appointed Executive into their roles.

Outgoing Directors and International Advisors

 

Nora Olsen, PhD.

After years of dedicated service, the Board bids farewell to Nora Olsen, our current Vice President and a long-serving Director. Since joining the Board in 2014, Nora has been an invaluable leader and contributor to the World Potato Congress Inc. She was instrumental in launching the WPC Webinar series, an initiative that has significantly enhanced engagement and learning opportunities across the globe. She has also served the WPC as Chair the WPC Governance Committee providing policy and governance advancements.

Beyond her work with the WPC Board, Nora’s accomplishments are vast. She has her Ph.D. and Master’s degree from Washington State University. She is a Professor and Potato Specialist with the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Idaho, USA, where she has made significant contributions to her field for over 25 years. Notably, she was the first woman to serve on the WPC Executive and the first female President of the Potato Association of America. Nora has co-authored and presented hundreds of extension and scientific presentations and publications, and her dedication to the US and global potato community earned her the prestigious title of Spudman’s Woman of the Year.

“Nora was instrumental in helping reshape the basic fundamentals of the organization (WPC Inc.) aiding in its evolution to what it has become today,” says President Peter VanderZaag. “Her enthusiasm and dedication in service to the WPC will leave a lasting impact on the future of the organization.”

The WPC extends our heartfelt gratitude to Nora for her years of unparalleled dedication, vision, and leadership.

 

Jang Sangha

 

The WPC also bids farewell to another esteemed Director, Jang Bahadur Sangha, who sees a term retirement this month, after many years of dedicated service. Mr. Sangha joined the World Potato Congress (WPC) as an International Advisor in 2017 and became a Director in 2018. He has represented his region of the globe with passion, bringing invaluable expertise to WPC’s mission.

Mr. Sangha is the Chairman of the Sangha Group of Companies, located in Punjab, Northern India, which boasts a 60-year legacy as India’s largest producer of seed and table potatoes. Under his visionary leadership, the Sangha Group has revolutionized large-scale agricultural production in India, while fostering the next generation of farmers.

A Cornell University graduate with a Masters in Fruit & Vegetable Science, Mr. Sangha’s contributions extend far beyond his company. His accolades include the Progressive Cold Chain Business Award for excellence in Cold Chain in 2017. He has provided his insights to organizations such as the Australia India Institute and the Confederation of Potato Seed Farmers and has advised the Indian government on major agricultural policies as a former board member of Punjab Agricultural University, one of India’s premier institutions. Sangha Group remains as a Silver Sustaining Partner of the World Potato Congress, and we look forward to that ongoing relation with Mr. Sangha in this capacity.

“It has been an extreme pleasure to know and work with Jang for these past ten years both as potato colleagues in knowing the Indian subcontinent, as well as members of the WPC Board of Directors. The WPC expresses its gratitude to Mr. Sangha for his exceptional leadership and vision on various WPC Committees over his many years of service. Jang’s perspective on board related items brought a fuller analysis of the issues at hand, aiding in stronger policy and other fundamental decisions.” says WPC President Peter VanderZaag. “ His insight and perspective from the second largest potato producing country in the world will be sorely missed.”

 

Outgoing International Advisor

 

Martin Acosta

The board also bids farewell to Martin Acosta who has served as an International Advisor to the World Potato Congress since 2022.

Founder and CEO of KIWA, Ecuador, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the global snack industry in Ecuador. An accomplished academic, Martin holds an MBA from INSEAD, an MSc in Politics of the World Economy from the London School of Economics, and a BA from Kalamazoo College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. His extensive education complements his active participation in global development initiatives, including serving on the United Nations Business Steering Committee and contributing to events like the UN Solutions Summit 2019.

The KIWA brand has emerged as a beacon of hope for local small producers in Ecuador, celebrating the success story of native potato varieties. In a world increasingly attuned to the importance of biodiversity and sustainability, KIWA’s story serves as an inspiration. It reminds us of the value of preserving traditional knowledge, championing local communities, and celebrating the rich agricultural heritage that defines countries like Ecuador.

As Martin’s term expires as an International Advisor, the World Potato Congress (WPC) recognizes Martin’s contributions to the agricultural and business sectors and extends its gratitude to Martin for his contributions to the WPC.

 

Incoming World Potato Congress Executive

 

Vice President, Greg Donald

Replacing Nora Olsen as Vice President is Greg Donald, who previously served for as Treasurer of the WPC. Greg has been an integral part of the WPC since 2019 and brings a wealth of experience from his role as General Manager of the PEI Potato Board, a position he has held since 2009.

Greg’s academic credentials include a BSc. Degree in Agriculture with a major in Plant Protection from Dalhousie University, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration obtained from the University of New Brunswick. With over 30 years of experience in the potato industry, Greg has contributed significantly to agronomy, potato production, and procurement during his tenure with McCain Foods in New Brunswick. He also held progressively responsible management positions in agricultural crop input businesses within the Cavendish Group, spanning Atlantic Canada and Maine.

Beyond his professional achievements, Greg actively engages with numerous industry organizations, including as a director of Farm & Food Care PEI, the Canadian Potato Council, and the United Potato Growers of Canada. He is also a member of the Prince Edward Island Institute of Agrologists. He has participated in the Nuffield Scholar Program, where he conducted studies on the potato industry across Belgium, Holland, and the UK, focusing on processing, seed, and fresh industry aspects respectively.

 

Treasurer, Brian Douglas

Replacing Greg Donald as Treasurer on the Executive is Director Brian Douglas.

Brian Douglas, formerly the General Manager of the WPC, will continue to bring his expertise to the organization in this new capacity. A graduate of the University of Guelph, Mr. Douglas has an illustrious public service career spanning over 41 years.

From 2015 to 2016, Mr. Douglas served as Clerk of the Executive and Secretary to the Cabinet for the Government of Prince Edward Island. Before this, he held positions including Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Previously he worked with the PEI Department of Agriculture including roles as Director of the Agriculture Resource Division and Manager of Farm Extension Services, where he spearheaded efforts to support and uplift the agricultural sector.

On the national stage, Mr. Douglas has represented Prince Edward Island on numerous boards and committees, advocating for sustainable agriculture and infrastructure renewal. Currently, he serves as Chairperson and Deputy Head of the Farm Products Council of Canada, an organization that works on behalf of the Government of Canada to ensure all Canadians enjoy affordable and reliable access to food while maintaining fair market conditions for farmers.

The WPC welcomes Greg and Brian into these new leadership roles as planning unfolds for the 2026 Congress in Kenya.