The World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) recently convened its Annual General Meeting for the 2024-25 year, marking a period of significant transition within its leadership. The meeting served as an important occasion to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of outgoing Directors and International Advisors, while simultaneously welcoming new Executive members who will steer the organisation into its next phase. These changes exemplifies the WPC’s ongoing evolution and its commitment to advancing the global potato community.
A heartfelt farewell was extended to Dr. Nora Olsen, the WPC’s Vice President and a long-serving Director, who retired after years of dedicated service. Dr. Olsen became part of the Board in 2014 and quickly distinguished herself as an invaluable leader. Her instrumental role in launching the WPC Webinar series significantly expanded global engagement and learning opportunities. Furthermore, she chaired the WPC Governance Committee, making vital advancements in policy and governance. Beyond her work with the WPC Board, Dr. Olsen’s accomplishments are extensive; she holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree from Washington State University and has served for over 25 years as a Professor and Potato Specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Idaho, USA. Notably, she was the first woman to serve on the WPC Executive and the first female President of the Potato Association of America. Her dedication, reflected in hundreds of co-authored and presented publications, earned her the prestigious title of Spudman’s Woman of the Year. WPC President Peter VanderZaag lauded her impact, stating, “Nora was instrumental in helping reshape the basic fundamentals of the organisation (WPC Inc.) aiding in its evolution to what it has become today”. Her enthusiasm and dedication are expected to leave a lasting impact on the organisation’s future.
The WPC also bid farewell to Jang Bahadur Sangha, an esteemed Director concluding his term after many years of devoted service. Mr. Sangha initially joined the World Potato Congress as an International Advisor in 2017 before becoming a Director in 2018. He passionately represented his region, offering invaluable expertise to the WPC’s mission. As Chairman of the Sangha Group of Companies in Punjab, Northern India, Mr. Sangha oversees an enterprise with a 60-year legacy as India’s largest producer of seed and table potatoes. Under his visionary leadership, the Sangha Group has revolutionised large-scale agricultural production in India and fostered the development of the next generation of farmers. A Cornell University graduate with a Masters in Fruit & Vegetable Science, Mr. Sangha’s contributions extend widely, including the Progressive Cold Chain Business Award in 2017. He has lent his insights to organisations like the Australia India Institute and the Confederation of Potato Seed Farmers, and has advised the Indian government on major agricultural policies as a former board member of Punjab Agricultural University. The Sangha Group will continue its association with the WPC as a Silver Sustaining Partner. President Peter VanderZaag expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Sangha’s “exceptional leadership and vision on various WPC Committees,” noting that his perspective from India, the world’s second-largest potato producing country, will be greatly missed.
Additionally, Martin Acosta concluded his term as an International Advisor, a role he held since 2022. As Founder and CEO of KIWA, Ecuador, Mr. Acosta has played a pivotal role in transforming Ecuador’s global snack industry. His academic background is impressive, holding an MBA from INSEAD, an MSc in Politics of the World Economy from the London School of Economics, and a Magna Cum Laude BA from Kalamazoo College. Beyond his academic achievements, he actively participates in global development initiatives, serving on the United Nations Business Steering Committee and contributing to events such as the UN Solutions Summit 2019. His KIWA brand has become a symbol of hope for small local producers in Ecuador, celebrating native potato varieties and underscoring the importance of biodiversity and sustainability. The WPC acknowledged his significant contributions to the agricultural and business sectors.
With these transitions, the WPC has welcomed new leadership to its Executive positions. Greg Donald, who previously served as the WPC’s Treasurer, steps into the role of Vice President, succeeding Nora Olsen. Mr. Donald has been an integral part of the WPC since 2019 and brings extensive experience from his position as General Manager of the PEI Potato Board, a role he has held since 2009. His academic credentials include a BSc in Agriculture with a major in Plant Protection from Dalhousie University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. With over 30 years in the potato industry, Mr. Donald has made significant contributions to agronomy, potato production, and procurement during his time with McCain Foods in New Brunswick, and held progressively responsible management positions within the Cavendish Group. He is also actively involved with numerous industry organisations, including Farm & Food Care PEI, the Canadian Potato Council, and the United Potato Growers of Canada, and is a member of the Prince Edward Island Institute of Agrologists. His participation in the Nuffield Scholar Program allowed him to study the potato industry in Belgium, Holland, and the UK.
Replacing Greg Donald as Treasurer is Director Brian Douglas. Mr. Douglas, formerly the General Manager of the WPC, will continue to contribute his expertise in this new capacity. A graduate of the University of Guelph, he has had an illustrious public service career spanning over 41 years. From 2015 to 2016, Mr. Douglas served as Clerk of the Executive and Secretary to the Cabinet for the Government of Prince Edward Island. Prior roles include Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture. He also worked with the PEI Department of Agriculture, spearheading efforts to support the agricultural sector as Director of the Agriculture Resource Division and Manager of Farm Extension Services. Nationally, Mr. Douglas has represented Prince Edward Island on numerous boards and committees, advocating for sustainable agriculture and infrastructure renewal. Currently, he serves as Chairperson and Deputy Head of the Farm Products Council of Canada, an organisation dedicated to ensuring affordable and reliable food access for Canadians while maintaining fair market conditions for farmers.
The World Potato Congress Inc. extends its welcome to Greg Donald and Brian Douglas in their new leadership roles as planning continues for the 2026 Congress in Kenya. The WPC also acknowledges its Sustaining Partners for their ongoing support of its initiatives.
