New Brunswick potato farmer Henk Tepper strode through the Ottawa International Airport on Saturday afternoon and into the arms of his wife and two daughters for the first time in more than a year.
Tepper returned to Canada after being held in a Lebanese jail for a total of 373 days on accusations of exporting rotten potatoes to Algeria.
Through a throng of media Tepper looked tired but unfazed by the spectacle that greeted him at the airport gate.
Led by Sen. Pierrette Ringuette through a private corridor. he was reunited with family, which also included his parents.
Tepper’s wife, Ella, and his teenage daughters, Kimberly and Stephanie, were first to give Henk a longing embrace.
Jailed Potato Farmer free and back in Canada
Like to receive news like this by email? Join and Subscribe!
Get the latest potato industry news straight to your WhatsApp. Join the PotatoPro WhatsApp Community!
Related News
augustus 06, 2026
Vietnam Approves Export of Nearly 28,000 Potato Seeds to India for Research
Lam Dong, Viet Nam, approved the export of 27,952 potato seeds from 23 breeding lines to India for research. The shipment by the Potato, Vegetable and Flower Research Center supports breeding, variety testing, and potato innovation.
augustus 05, 2026
Accelerating Global Warming Could Reshape the Future of Global Potato Production
Global warming is accelerating, threatening potato production through heat, drought, pests, and storage challenges. Climate-smart farming, resilient varieties, and improved irrigation are essential to protect future yields and quality.
augustus 05, 2026
Pacific Northwest Potato Growers Face Rising Competition from China as Exports Decline
Washington potato exports have dropped about 10% as China expands production and exports across Pacific Rim markets. Industry leaders say China's lower costs and investment in potato research are increasing pressure on U.S. growers.
