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Please credit: Photos courtesy of National Potato Council / Bill Schaefer Photography.
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NPC installed its 2026 roster of Executive Committee leaders last night at the organization’s annual NPC Washington Summit. During the Annual Meeting of the Voting Delegates on Monday, Feb. 23, Ben Sklarczyk of Johannesburg, Mich., was elected to serve as the Council’s President for the next 12 months.
Sklarczyk is a third-generation grower and owner of Sklarczyk Seed Farm, a hydroponic seed potato operation based in his hometown of Johannesburg. Sklarczyk assumed full ownership of the family business 10 years ago, when he and his wife, Alison, purchased it from his father, Don Sklarczyk, who served as President of NPC in 2007.
Feb 24
NPC installed its 2026 roster of Executive Committee leaders last night at the organization’s annual NPC Washington Summit. During the Annual Meeting of the Voting Delegates on Monday, Feb. 23, Ben Sklarczyk of Johannesburg, Mich., was elected to serve as the Council’s President for the next 12 months.
Sklarczyk is a third-generation grower and owner of Sklarczyk Seed Farm, a hydroponic seed potato operation based in his hometown of Johannesburg. Sklarczyk assumed full ownership of the family business 10 years ago, when he and his wife, Alison, purchased it from his father, Don Sklarczyk, who served as President of NPC in 2007.
Today, the NPC Executive Committee met with Trump Administration officials at the Old Executive Office Building at the White House to advocate for the U.S. potato industry. The members welcomed the opportunity to sit down with representatives from the White House, USDA, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to discuss critical policy issues, including expanding trade opportunities in key markets like Japan and ensuring that specialty crop growers are supported in future economic relief packages.
During the meeting, NPC thanked the administration for recent trade successes in Taiwan and for the science-based decision to include potatoes in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans food pyramid. The visit kicked off a week of advocacy at the 2026 NPC Washington Summit, where growers from across the nation are “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.”
Feb 23
Today, the NPC Executive Committee met with Trump Administration officials at the Old Executive Office Building at the White House to advocate for the U.S. potato industry. The members welcomed the opportunity to sit down with representatives from the White House, USDA, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to discuss critical policy issues, including expanding trade opportunities in key markets like Japan and ensuring that specialty crop growers are supported in future economic relief packages.
During the meeting, NPC thanked the administration for recent trade successes in Taiwan and for the science-based decision to include potatoes in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans food pyramid. The visit kicked off a week of advocacy at the 2026 NPC Washington Summit, where growers from across the nation are “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.”
“He is a champion for agriculture at every level.”
🏆Congrats to former NPC President and fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Wash., Jared Balcom, for being named The Packer’s 2026 Potato Person of the Year!
“He possesses the unique ability to communicate complex issues effectively, whether he is speaking to a grower or a member of Congress,” said NPC President Ted Tschirky.
Jan 9
“He is a champion for agriculture at every level.”
🏆Congrats to former NPC President and fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Wash., Jared Balcom, for being named The Packer’s 2026 Potato Person of the Year!
“He possesses the unique ability to communicate complex issues effectively, whether he is speaking to a grower or a member of Congress,” said NPC President Ted Tschirky.
The labor landscape is shifting. Get the facts. Hear the latest Ag Workforce Coalition update soon on how NPC is addressing high H-2A costs, which are becoming increasingly unaffordable for growers, and advancing solutions for a stable, legal workforce. #AgLabor #PotatoExpo #PotatoTalks
Jan 8
The labor landscape is shifting. Get the facts. Hear the latest Ag Workforce Coalition update soon on how NPC is addressing high H-2A costs, which are becoming increasingly unaffordable for growers, and advancing solutions for a stable, legal workforce. #AgLabor #PotatoExpo #PotatoTalks