MONTE VISTA, Colo. — The Potato Expo is the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry in North America. This year was the Potato Expo’s 10th anniversary and was held in Orlando, FL. The Potato Expo is put on each year by the National Potato Council. NPC is an organization that represents the interest of U.S. potato producers and provides a unified voice for the U.S. potato industry on national legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues to promote the increased profitability for growers and greater consumption of potatoes. In conjunction with the Expo, NPC has their Annual Meeting. During this meeting, grower leaders from around the country are able to discuss and shape public policy impacting potato production and distribution.
Representing Colorado on the NPC Board of Directors this year was Miguel Diaz, Bob Mattive, Tyler Mitchell, Mark Peterson and Harry Strohauer. This year, Dwayne Weyers also served as the National Potato Council’s President. Presiding over the Annual Meeting was one of Weyers’ last duties as President. The entire Colorado potato industry is thankful to Weyers for his for his contribution as President. Colorado growers have been well represented by Weyers and the Colorado members of the NPC Board of Directors.
In more Colorado news, Dave Warsh was selected as a judge for the 2018 Spudnation Throwdown. This is an annual competition where chefs compete to create the most inspiring potato dishes. 6 chefs competed, and Chef Dianna Fricke of Simplot took home the top prize.
Also during the Annual Meeting, Jim Ehrlich, Executive Director of Colorado Potatoes, received the NPC President’s Award for his assistance with the 2017 NPC Summer Meeting.
— Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
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