The World Potato Congress (WPC) Inc. had the chance to honor its previous and current directors, international advisors, and management during the 12th World Potato Congress in Adelaide, Australia.

The WPC Board, chaired by President Peter VanderZaag, had the chance to honor individuals who have been instrumental in the growth and success of the organization in front of more than 800 attendees.

The Ross Trimboli Award for Industry Leadership & Advocacy

Dr. Nigel Crump received the ‘Ross Trimboli Award’ for Industry Leadership and Advocacy. This award, presented by the Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, is named in honor and memory of South Australian industry leader Ross Trimboli, who began farming on the Northern Adelaide Plains with his parents and brothers in the early 1950s.

“Through determination, Ross founded the Small Potato Farm, specializing in gourmet potatoes. The ladybird emblem is its trademark; the essence of the family enterprise-small and humble and heroes in all shapes and sizes! Ross was also a skilled wine-maker, exporting his acclaimed brand, Hazy Blur, across the world,” a press release by Potatoes Australia goes on to read.

Following a citation read by Robbie Davis, Ambassador to the Australia Congress, Crumbhumbly accepted the award.

“I am overwhelmed by this award; Ross was a truly remarkable advocate for the Australian Potato Industry and to receive this in recognition of Leadership and Advocacy in memory of him is an extraordinary honor,” he added.

Crump is a potato pathologist with over 20 years of experience working in the Australian potato industry. He led the team in Australia to organize the highly successful Congress event in Adelaide in June of this year. Dr. Nigel Crump is the General Manager of the Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority (AuSPICA), an industry-based organization that operates the seed potato certification program in South Australia, Victoria, and northern New South Wales. He is also the Interim Chair of the industry organization Potatoes Australia Inc., the host of the Congress.

John Griffin – ‘A Steadfast Supporter of the Potato Industry’

Dr. Nigel Crump, Dr. Peter VanderZaag, and Greg Donald recognized John Griffin for his excellent contributions to the World Potato Congress (WPC) continued success.

John Griffin, the President of W.P. Griffin Inc., has been a steadfast supporter of the potato industry, not just locally in his home province of Prince Edward Island, Canada, but on a global scale through his involvement with the WPC.

“His dedication to the potato farming and packaging business has been exemplary, with W.P. Griffin Inc. becoming a renowned name in the industry, spanning across the Maritimes, eastern Canada, and the northeastern U.S.,” a recent press release reveals.

Throughout his tenure of over 16 years with the WPC, Griffin has served in various capacities. His invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the WPC into the premier global potato networking organization it is today.

Brian and Jocelyne Douglas’ Outstanding Leadership Recognized

From 2017-2022, WPC was operated under the outstanding leadership of Brian Douglas, General Manager, and Jocelyne Douglas, Office Administrator.

Brian’s extensive public service career spanning over 41 years, coupled with his profound understanding of the agricultural landscape, has been invaluable to the WPC.

Throughout his career, Brian has held significant roles within the PEI Department of Agriculture, where he served as Director of the Agriculture Resource Division and Manager of Farm Extension Services.

“Brian’s knowledge of the potato industry, both regionally and internationally, has been instrumental in guiding the WPC towards its current success. His time in a voluntary role as WPC Director as well as General Manager has provided him with invaluable insights that have helped shape the direction of the organization,” the press release also reveals.

Together Brian and Jocelyne have been an indispensable part of the WPC journey. Their dedication, drive, and commitment have played a pivotal role in advancing the goals of the Congress and fostering collaboration within the global potato community.

Xiaoping Lu Rewarded for His 30 Years of Work

This past July, The World Potato Congress Inc.’s (WPC) Board of Directors congratulated Xiaoping Lu upon his retirement from the World Potato Congress Inc. as an International Advisor.

In 2011, Xiaoping was chosen to be the founding Director of CCCAP, an international center of CIP with objectives of improving potato and sweet potato value chains in China and Asia. Xiaoping, with his previous 30 years of work in International agricultural policy with the Ministry of Agriculture, capably lead the work of establishing and promoting the research and development work of CCCAP.

“WPC greatly benefited from his leadership in our work in China, through his guidance in holding the World Potato Congress in China in 2015 and through his leading of over 100 Chinese colleagues to the 2018 WPC congress in Cusco, Peru,” VanderZaag concluded.