Canadian Horticultural Council appoints new VP for potato section

Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) Potato Committee Chair Keith Kuhl announced recently that Mark Drouin has been named Vice President, Potatoes effective October 19, 2010. “Mark is no stranger to horticulture and particularly the potato industry. We look forward to further enhancing our excellent working relationship,” said Kuhl.

Securing Mr. Drouin was a joint initiative between the CHC and United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC). Though their objectives and areas of activity are quite distinct, the two organizations have many members in common.  Together, consensus was reached to engage an individual who could serve in an executive role with both organizations. In addition to his role as Vice President, Potatoes for CHC, Mr. Drouin will serve as the General Manager for UPGC.

“Mark is joining us at a key time for United, as we work on developing a strong program for our 2011 United Partners Program seminars across the country early in the new year,” said UPGC Chair Ray Keenan. “He will also be building on our Canadian potato production and marketing data and analysis, and these initiatives will result in excellent information for Canadian potato growers and other industry members."

Mark is fluently bilingual and holds an M.Sc. in Economics from the University of Manchester (UK) and a B.A. (Honours) from St. Francis Xavier University. He can be reached at (613) 226-4880, ext. 207 or mdrouin@hortcouncil.ca.