Jared Balcom Named 2026 Potato Person of the Year for Global Trade Advocacy

Jared Balcom, a fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Washington, has been named the 2026 Potato Person of the Year in recognition of his long-standing leadership and advocacy on behalf of the United States potato industry. The recognition was announced by The Packer and the National Potato Council, highlighting Balcom’s instrumental role in advancing trade access and representing grower interests at the international level.

Balcom is president of Balcom & Moe and has served the National Potato Council in several leadership roles, including former president and vice president of trade affairs. Over the years, he has played a key role in advocating for United States potato growers, including efforts that helped open the Mexican market to United States fresh potatoes in 2022. He is also involved in ongoing efforts to gain market access for United States fresh potatoes in Japan.

In 2025, Balcom was appointed by then United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee and was later reappointed by then United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai. In this role, he provides guidance to federal officials on international agricultural trade policy.
 

The "Farmer First" approach to global trade

Balcom says that being a fourth-generation grower gives him important perspective when participating in trade missions and policy discussions, where humility and honesty remain central to his approach.

Jared Balcom, President at Balcom & Moe and 2026 Potato Person of the Year:
 

"It doesn’t matter what country you’re from or whatever, as long as you’re real and honest and have normal dialogue with people, you can get a lot done."

The Packer presented fourth-generation potato grower Jared Balcom with its 2026 Potato Person of the Year award at Potato Expo 2026. Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, presented Balcom with the award.

Balcom, who first became active through the National Potato Council’s Potato LEAF Leadership Institute, says there was no single moment that drew him into national-level advocacy. Instead, it was a recognition that real farm experiences needed to be shared directly with decision-makers.

Jared Balcom:

"I think that on the farm we get to see things firsthand. We get to see those challenges, and we’re able to convey those in a reasonable, good manner to people at the national level to help us."

Patience as a policy tool

Balcom acknowledges that trade negotiations are often slow and complex, but emphasizes that patience and long-term focus are essential when navigating policy processes.

Jared Balcom:

"I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older not to get as frustrated because you realize that it is a long, long, long process. Some of these things are lifetime processes."

He encourages growers to recognize incremental progress and, when possible, to engage directly in advocacy efforts to better understand the realities of trade negotiations.
 

Growers as policy experts

Balcom believes growers themselves are uniquely qualified to advocate for agricultural policy, noting that firsthand experience carries significant weight in discussions with lawmakers.

Jared Balcom:

"Know what you know and say what you know and don’t make stuff up, and it’s amazing how far you’ll get with that."

A unified voice for the future

Reflecting on more than two decades of national engagement, Balcom says the United States potato industry has become more unified, strengthening its influence in Washington and beyond.

Jared Balcom:

"I think we have a stronger voice back now in D.C. and the political world, and I just hope that that continues to grow."

Looking ahead, Balcom hopes the next generation of leaders will continue to build on this momentum, ensuring long-term success for the potato industry and the growers who sustain it.