Potato Grower Involvement Needed

The Immediate Past President of the National Potato Council Randy Hardy understands the value that the NPC brings to the industry. He would like more active involvement from U.S. potato growers.
Hardy: “The importance of all growers in the country becoming involved in the Council.One of the things I’ve emphasized is that the number of growers in the country is decreasing — even though production is increasing. So we have fewer, larger farms so we need every voice we possibly can — and we need them to contribute not only financially but vocally.”
Hardy says attending the NPC’s Potato D.C. Fly-in would be a perfect step for growers interested in becoming more involved.
Hardy: “And the next big event is the Fly-in which begins on the 23rd of February in Washington D.C. That is a meeting where growers from all over the country come. The NPC brings in speakers that are of interest to them — both in terms of what is going on Congressionally but also with the potato industry. Following that we are able to break up into groups and go to see our own congressional people on the Hill. We make a visit to EPA. We make a visit to USDA. So we try and establish those relationships and also express to them what are our concerns are. It is just a great opportunity to learn more about the process and the value of the Council.”
Go to the National Potato Council’s website at nationalpotatocouncil.org for more information.