News
PILI elects Cheff 2016 grower leader
The Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) class of 2015 elected Bridget Cheff of Ronan, Montana its 2016 grower leader. PILI is sponsored by Syngenta and administered by the U.S. Potato Board and the National Potato Council (NPC).From Feb. 18-2... more
WSPC hires Blua
The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) has hired Matthew Blua as its director of industry outreach.Blua's role will focus on providing technical advice and assistance to the industry regarding pest and plant diagnostics, food safety and susta... more
Platform Specialty Products buys Arysta LifeScience
Platform Specialty Products, based in Miami, Florida, has completed its acquisition of Arysta LifeScience, based in Dublin, Ireland, for approximately $3.5 billion.Wayne Hewett, Arysta president and CEO, became Platform's president, joining Martin E.... more
FAA proposes new UAS rules
The Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comment on proposed regulations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).The proposed regulations are for UAS under 55 pounds conducting non-recreational operations... more
Frost joins staff at HAREC
Ken Frost has joined the department of botany as an assistant professor and Extension pathologist at Oregon State University's Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC).Frost received his master's and doctorate in plant pathology f... more
WPVGA elects new president
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) board of directors elected Andy Wallendal of Wallendal Supply as its 2015 president.Wallendal succeeds Larry Alsum as WPVGA president.The WPVGA associate division board of directors ele... more
WPVGA presents awards and Hall of Fame induction
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) inducted Robert Helbach of Amherst into its Hall of Fame during the WPVGA's annual awards banquet at Stevens Point.Helbach Farms was started in the 1930s by Robert Helbach's father, Geo... more
Sivanto receives EPA registration
Bayer CropScience has received registration from the EPA for its new Sivanto insecticide.Sivanto was developed to control sucking pests on fruits and vegetables and will be available for the 2015 growing season.Sivanto is a systemic insecticide for c... more
APHIS and PPQ release 2015-2019 plans
The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has released its 2015-2019 (PPQ) strategic plan along with its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) 2015-2019 strategic plan.Among the APHIS goals is one to protect plant health by optimi... more
IOM recommends white potatoes in WIC program
The National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended that the USDA allow white potatoes be an eligible vegetable in the USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).At the request of the USD... more
