Idaho Potato Commission Swears In New Leadership
Mike Telford, a grower from Paul, was sworn in as a Commissioner for a three-year term during the October meeting of the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). Paul Saito and Mark Darrington will now take on the roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively.
“The IPC is continually committed to strengthening the Idaho potato brand through a multitude of marketing programs. Mike is a great addition and boasts a wealth of knowledge and respect among growers and the industry as a whole. Paul and Mark have provided tremendous leadership over the past three years, and I’m confident they will continue to guide world-famous Idaho potatoes toward new heights,” Jamey Higham, President and CEO, of IPC, mentioned.
The commissioners steer the general direction of the brand and assist in directing the IPC’s marketing and research initiatives. Increased consumer demand for all Idaho-branded potato products, both domestically and internationally, education about the benefits of Idaho potatoes as heart-healthy, nutrient-dense, and relevant to modern lifestyles, and building customer and consumer loyalty in seeking out “Grown in Idaho” products are other objectives.
Nine commissioners represent Idaho potato growers, shippers, and processors. They are nominated by industry peers and selected by Governor Brad Little. The commissioners are Paul Saito (McCain Foods US) – Chairman, Mark Darrington (Big D Farms) – Vice Chairman, Mike Telford (Sun Valley Seed), Daren Bitter (Bittersweet Farms), Brett Jensen (Brett Jensen Farms), Brian Jones (Sun Valley Potatoes), Mark Duncanson (Basic American), Bryan Wada (Wada Farms), Eric Jemmett (J&S Farms).