NPC delays meeting until February

The National Potato Council, which advocates the economic wellbeing of US potato growers, has rescheduled its annual meeting, which usually coincides with the Potato Expo each January. It is now scheduled to coincide with the group’s Potato D.C. Fly-In in February.

The move, according to a notice from NPC President Britt Raybould, is to accommodate people who might not be ready travel to larger events like the Potato Expo, which takes place on January 6th and 7th in Grapevine, Texas.

The NPC still plans “an in-person component” at the Potato Expo.

The Potato Fly-In is scheduled for February 22nd to 25th and the nominating committee will meet virtually before the Fly-In.

“The change will allow our leadership, staff, and state partners to focus the annual meeting’s discussions on the policy priorities and concrete actions that will maximize our ability as we continue to Stand Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill,” Britt said.

Potato Expo 2020 was one of the last industry events before COVID-19 pandemic restrictions banned large gatherings, forcing groups to cancel or move in-person events online.

“While our industry has struggled to pull through during these unprecedented times, we can all be proud of the leaders elected at the annual meeting, who have worked tirelessly over the last six months to fight for the industry and deliver relief to America’s potato producers and processors,” Britt said. “This pandemic truly has shown what can be achieved when our volunteer leaders come together to work for the future of the industry.”