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World Potato Congress Welcomes New Directors and International Advisor
World Potato Congress Inc. appointed Dr. Peter VanderZaag (left) and John Jamieson (middle) to the Board of Directors and André Jooste (right) to the International Advisory Committee
David Thompson, President and CEO of World Potato Congress Inc. announced today appointments to the WPC Board of Directors and International Advisory Committee.
“With the recent retirement of two directors the Board took advantage of an opportunity to bring new perspectives to the table,” said Thompson.
The appointments dovetail nicely 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.”
Peter VanderZaag appointed to the Board of Directors
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. His ability to work collaboratively with others is recognized and appreciated by his peers across the globe.
“We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Peter,” said President Thompson, “World Potato Congress Inc. will benefit immeasurably from his contribution.”
Profile: Dr. Peter VanderZaag
John Jamieson
A Professional Agrologist and Certified Nutrient Management Planner, John has worked in agriculture for a number of years and has a comprehensive understanding of the issues impacting the industry. He has participated extensively on a number of committees for the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, including the role of chair of the Agriculture Policy Framework Strategic Investments Working Group, the Agriculture Research Committee, and the Revenue Enhancement Committee.
He is a member of the national federation's working group that developed the organization's National Food Strategy and sits on the Farm and Food Care Foundation Board of Directors.
André Jooste appointed to the International Advisory Committee
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.
Profile: Dr. André Jooste
Dr. André Jooste
In 2013 he joined Potatoes South Africa (PSA) as Chief Executive Officer. Since joining PSA a new strategy was developed and is currently being implemented. The strategy pertains mainly to the four core business units of PSA, namely research, information, transformation and market development and product promotion to ensure the sustainability and profitability of potato production, as well as a growing demand for potatoes, while introducing and instilling good corporate governance throughout the organisation.
André has extensive experience in conducting market, policy, rural and industry analysis. He is acknowledged by peers in the primary and secondary agricultural environment as an expert on international trade issues and their implications from a country, industry and firm point of view.
He currently serves on various agricultural industry and government committees and has extended networks in the private and public sector environments (national & international).
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