National Potato Council Honors Industry Leaders

Washington, DC—January 20, 2011— At the National Potato Council’s (NPC) 2011 Annual Meeting, held January 7-8 in Las Vegas, several leaders were honored for their support of and dedication to the potato industry.

Seed grower Maryls Bedlington, proprietor of Pure Potato in Lynden, Wash., was honored with the NPC Seed Grower of the Year award. The award is presented annually to a seed grower who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership both on the farm and throughout the potato industry. Bedlington’s tissue lab and greenhouses develop and provide seed stock for private owners of potato varieties as well as growers of standard varieties. She collaborated with Slow Food Seattle, the Makah Nation, Charles R. Brown at the USDA Agricultural Research Station in Prosser, Wash., the Seattle Chefs Collaborative, and Full Circle Farm on development of the Ozette fingerling. Pure Potato grows 30 varieties, including fingerlings and the colored flesh varieties under investigation for the healthful benefits of their antioxidant content.

Dr. Joe Sowokinos, formerly with the University of Minnesota, was awarded the NPC Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the potato industry and his efforts in addressing issues that impact potato production. Dr. Sowokinos’ dedication to the potato industry has continued even into retirement. He has a long list of articles he authored in prestigious scientific journals, but his passion for people in the potato industry was what his reputation was built upon. Throughout his career he was much more than a scientist — he was a scientist who cheerfully, and skillfully, brought the results of his research to the people in the potato industry. The potato world has truly benefited from his contributions, enthusiasm and dedication.

NPC President Roger Mix presented the President’s Award to both his father, Sherrel Mix of Center, Colo., and his mentor and friend Byron Kunugi of Blanca, Colo. Mix and Kunugi were presented the awards in recognition for their support and encouragement of Roger Mix throughout his involvement and activism in the potato industry on both the state and national level.

Immediate Past President Ed Schneider of Pasco, Wash., was honored with the Industry Award for the extraordinary commitment of his time and energy to help the industry address key immediate issues, and also for taking steps that will proactively position the industry on emerging issues. Schneider also took an early interest in sustainability. Not only did he get involved but he encouraged and motivated the industry to follow his lead.

Source: National Potato Council