Potato Grower

12 POTATO GROWER | AUGUST 2018 Vestaron Appoints Rath as CEO Vestaron, a company dedicated to improving the safety, efficacy and sustainability of crop protection through displacement of chemical pesticides with biologic peptides, announces the appointment of Anna Rath as CEO. With more than a decade of experience across multiple venture-backed ag tech companies, Rath will lead the transformation of Vestaron from the research and development phase of its development through its commercial phase. Vestaron is initially focused on a class of peptides that offers strong insecticidal properties—covering nearly all the modes of action embodied by current synthetic insecticides as well as some novel ones. Vestaron's Spear peptide products match the efficacy of traditional synthetic insecticides with the safety and sustainability of biologicals. NPC Supports National Product Labeling Standard The National Potato Council (NPC) joined more than 60 organizations representing farmers, manufacturers, small businesses and retailers in supporting the Accurate Labels Act, introduced June 7 by Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) and Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.). The legislation will amend the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to: • Ensure consumers have access to clear, accurate and meaningful product labels; • Establish science-based criteria for all state and local labeling requirements that exceed current federal standards; • Allow state-mandated product information to be provided through smartphone- enabled "smart labels" and on websites; • Ensure that covered product information is risk-based; and • Will maintain current federal laws related to allergens, nutrition facts and medicines. Around the Vine News From the Industry The Original Light Blocking Combo Bag The Ultra Shield's ® two-layer design blocks 100% of visible light and 90% of ultraviolet light, dramatically reducing potato greening. www.foxbag.com | (956) 682-6176 1958-10FoxSolutions16h.indd 1 6/25/18 2:27 PM Johnson Joins IPC The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is preparing for an expanded sales push both in the U.S. and abroad with the addition of Ross Johnson its new international marketing director. Johnson will also lend his consumer research expertise to U.S. retail programs, focusing on data and category management. Based in the IPC's office in Eagle, Idaho, Johnson will work with the IPC's international offices for Latin America, southeast Asia and greater China, which help facilitate connections among Idaho potato shippers and foreign trading partners, along with creating and executing marketing promotion programs and offering ongoing marketing support, such as chef training and in-store sampling. Idaho's top fresh potato export markets for 2017 were Canada, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Guatemala and Panama. Ross Johnson Anna Roth Ag World Golf Classic Raises $90K+ for Charity Area agriculture producers, processors and industry businesses rose to the challenge and set a new event record by raising over $91,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest (RMHC) at the 5th Annual Ag World Golf Classic on June 13 in Kennewick, Washington. Through the generosity of 105 sponsors and donors and 144 golfers, this year's event was an undisputed success. The Ag World Golf Classic has donated more than $325,000 over the past five years to RMHC. The tournament is part of Ag World Support Systems' campaign to make a difference in the community by supporting Ronald McDonald House's mission to strengthen local families and promote children's health. Ag World was joined by co- hosts Simplot, Lamb Weston, McCain Foods and Potato Growers of Washington in making this event possible. The next event is set for June 12, 2019.

• Cover