The World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) has welcomed TriCal Group as its first-ever Diamond Sustaining Partner, marking a new milestone in the organization’s long-running support program for global industry collaboration.

The announcement follows WPC’s 2023 strategic review, which introduced the new Diamond tier to its Sustaining Partner Program. The initiative is designed to strengthen the organization’s work between congress events — including educational webinars, networking within the global potato community, and activities connected to the International Day of the Potato.

Having previously supported WPC at the Platinum level, TriCal Group’s elevation to Diamond status underscores both its historical commitment and ongoing investment in the future of sustainable potato production.

Founded in 1961 by Richard Storkan, Jerry Hanes, and Robert McCaslin, TriCal Group began with a simple mission: to restore fertility to “worn-out” soils through the pioneering practice of commercial soil fumigation. From those roots, the company evolved into a global leader in soil health management, maintaining its family ownership and now employing more than 1,000 people in over 30 countries.

“Innovation, stewardship, and strong relationships are in our DNA,” said Dean Storkan, President of TriCal Group. “These core values continue to drive the company forward.”

According to WPC, the new partnership will help expand the reach of its educational webinar series, enhance bursary support for delegates from the Global South, and create additional networking opportunities for industry professionals at future congresses.

TriCal’s technical leadership has long been represented within the WPC community through Dr. Chad Hutchinson, Global Director of Potato Research and Market Support for TriCal Group, who also serves as a Director on the WPC Board. His contributions include co-chairing the Sustainability Workshop planned for the 2026 Kenya Congress and providing guidance to the Finance Committee.

WPC President Peter VanderZaag expressed his appreciation for TriCal’s ongoing support:

“Since joining as a Director, Chad Hutchinson has brought great leadership to the WPC Board of Directors, including co-chairing the organizing of a Sustainability Workshop for the 2026 Kenya Congress as well as providing guidance on the WPC Finance Committee. Chad and his TriCal Group colleagues have years of experience on the practical applications of the science behind what they do and have brought great benefit to many growers across the global potato world.”

TriCal Group’s field teams collaborate with growers worldwide, promoting sustainable disease management and soil restoration practices that improve yields while reducing input dependency. Their on-the-ground programs — from South Africa to Latin America and Asia — emphasize practical education, field trials, and tailored agronomic advice, helping farmers reclaim land once considered unproductive.

The company’s global presence at industry events, combined with its active role in WPC initiatives, reinforces a shared mission: to enhance food security, crop resilience, and rural livelihoods through science-based, collaborative action in the potato sector.