North Dakota potato leader dies

North Dakota potato industry leader Alan Collette, past chairman of the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association, has died. Collette, 77, was chairman of the association (now the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association) in 1983-84, according to a news release. He died Dec. 3 and services are planned for Dec. 10, according to an online obituary.  He contributed to many organization over the years, including service on the National Potato Council and the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association. Collette won the 1976 Soil Conservation Award, the 1987 Centennial Tree Farmer, the 1988 Red River Valley Potato Growers Association Meritorious Service Award and other honors. (Source: The Packer)