Potato research entity turns to clinical studies

An organization dedicated to building the body of nutritional science on behalf of the potato industry has chosen a consulting firm to assist with management and is shifting its research focus. The Alliance for Potato Research and Education intends to move away from epidemiological studies, which highlight apparent correlations, in favor of clinical research, favored by scientists, said Potatoes USA President and CEO Blair Richardson. As part of the restructuring, the nonprofit entity, which is funded by Potatoes USA and major potato processors, has also parted ways with its president and CEO of about five years, Maureen Storey, and recently named the food and nutrition communications and consulting company FoodMinds as its “agency of record.” Richardson said epidemiological studies sometimes highlight correlations where no cause-and-effect relationship exists, which could steer consumers in the wrong direction. More