Oregon Potato Commission has new executive director in Gary Roth

For the first time since 2005, the Oregon Potato Commission has a new leader.

Gary Roth officially took over as the OPC’s executive director on May 1, replacing longtime director Bill Brewer, who is retiring. Roth has 30-plus years of experience in agriculture, including with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

“I am looking forward to representing the Oregon potato industry, building on current strengths of the commission’s programs and aggressively addressing areas of opportunity, including potatoes as part of a performance diet and international market access,” Roth said in a statement. “Bill Brewer leaves big shoes to fill, and a top priority of mine will be to extend and amplify the standards he has set for the Oregon potato industry at a national level.”

Roth was raised on a 300-acre Oregon farm. He graduated magna cum laude from Oregon State University with a degree in agricultural and resource economics. He also has a certificate in international agribusiness from the University of Bradford in the UK. He’s served on numerous ag- and food-centric boards over the years, including for state government and governor’s offices.

Brewer commended the hire via a press release. “I believe Gary is a very good choice to lead the Oregon Potato Commission and support all Oregon potato growers. He has an effective understanding of Oregon agriculture, international programs, government and marketing. He will bring a lot to the table with the other potato state programs OPC works with and fit-in well with all state and national managers,” Brewer said.

Oregon ranked third among potato-producing states in 2018 with a harvest of approximately 28.5 million cwt.

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