New NPC president highlights priorities from 2026 Washington Summit

I stepped into the role of 2026 president of the National Potato Council (NPC) during February’s NPC Washington Summit with a deep sense of gratitude. My connection to this organization spans more than a decade, including five years on the executive committee.

Following in the footsteps of my father, Don, who also served as president, is a privilege I do not take lightly.

My term begins at a pivotal moment. We just wrapped up the Washington Summit, an annual event where growers define the trajectory of federal policy. Organized by NPC and supported by our state associations and industry partners, the summit helps us build meaningful relationships with allies in the legislative and executive branches. These interactions advance public policy priorities that will impact our farms for generations.

For the coming year, I am prioritizing three key areas to solidify our gains and set the stage for the future.

Leveraging a nutrition victory

In January, the industry received tremendously positive news. The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans now feature a fresh whole potato in the center of the updated food pyramid graphic. The development validates 15 years of hard work by NPC and the industry and confirms that potatoes are a vital part of a healthy diet.

We now have a critical opportunity to demonstrate that value to the public. To

build long-term value for our growers, NPC will work closely with national promotion board Potatoes USA and our state potato organizations to leverage this victory. While they work to encourage consumer growth, NPC will continue to defend the place of potatoes in federal nutrition programs.

Commitment to quality and trade

Our reputation hinges on the quality of the product we deliver. As NPC works to retain and expand export markets — including the hard-won access for fresh table stock in Mexico — we growers have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of our shipments.

We must champion a high-quality system from seed to commercial product. A robust quality system prevents market closures and ensures the U.S. remains the preferred global exporter. Our goal is not just to open new doors but also to expand the ones we already have secured.

The importance of Potato Expo

NPC’s ability to fight for growers in Washington, D.C., depends on our organization’s financial health. As a former vice president of NPC’s finance committee, I’m well aware of the importance of the annual Potato Expo to the council and the entire industry.

Year after year, Potato Expo serves as a massive financial driver that provides the resources we need to “Stand Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.” The record sponsorship and attendance we saw in Dallas in January continue to prove that Potato Expo is the premier place for networking and industry growth.

We must encourage our fellow growers and industry partners to support this annual event, both for the sake of our public policy efforts and also to equip them with the latest tools to support their businesses.

Winning as a team

Finally, I’d like to comment on the power of participating in NPC. From my involvement starting around 2014, I’ve seen that NPC’s strength doesn’t just come from the executive committee or the board. It comes from the participation of every single grower.

Each of us brings unique perspectives and strengths to the table. I’ve always been a believer in harnessing those strengths so we can win as a team. We must continue to encourage and recognize the value that all growers lend to the efforts of this industry.

As we look toward NPC’s Summer Meeting in Detroit, I am reminded of my family’s own history. Detroit is where our seed farm began at the Eastern Market. It was there that my grandfather made the connection that transitioned our small table stock operation into a seed farm.

It’s a story that humanizes our industry and acknowledges the history provided by our grandfathers and fathers. We are all here today because of the foundation they built, and with your help, we will continue to build upon that legacy to ensure a prosperous future for the potato industry.

With that, I look forward to working with you to build on that legacy and ensure a prosperous future for the U.S. potato industry.

Ben Sklarczyk is president of the National Potato Council.