On February 18, David Thompson, President and 
CEO of World Potato Congress Inc. announced three new appointments to the WPC Board of Directors and International Advisory Committee. The appointments dovetail with the adoption, during 2015, of a new strategic plan designed to encourage a more proactive role for the Congress in the global potato industry. In particular the Board wishes to facilitate growth and development in regions where opportunities emerge from challenges. President Thompson: “The three appointees being announced today will strengthen the Board and the International Advisory Committee while WPC strives to achieve objectives set out in the new strategic plan.”
Dr. VanderZaag is President of SunRise Potato Ltd, at Alliston, Ontario, Canada. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Dr. Hubert Zandstra. Dr. VanderZaag will track and report on potato related issues throughout East Asia and China, as well as offer advice to the World Potato Congress Inc., regarding programs and initiatives of the Congress. Dr. VanderZaag’s academic, business and agricultural background make him an ideal director.
John Jamieson is Deputy Minister of the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the former deputy, John MacQuarrie.
Mr. Jamieson has been responsible for directing activities on a diverse range of agriculture industry priorities including policy implementation, government relations and regulatory matters. He is a Professional Agrologist with a wide range of experiences. John’s experience dealing with government agencies will bring added strength to the Board as we move forward, confirmed President Thompson.
Dr. Jooste is Chief Executive Officer of Potatoes South Africa. He has extensive experience in business, academia and agriculture throughout South Africa, where he completed PhD studies in Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State.
Andre fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Dr. Ben Pieterse. With his comprehensive knowledge of the potato industry across the African continent we are confident André will make a significant contribution to our efforts there, said Thompson.
For more information, please visit potatocongress.org.
