Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/765975
WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 39 Without taking that away, we need to show there is in fact a way to keep that independent spirit but also have the information they need in a collaborative way to benefit their returns. My whole premise is this: The overall health of the entire potato industry—frozen, dehydrators, fresh-packing sheds, chemicals, equipment—depends on a healthy grower base, and that starts with healthy returns. For growers to get in a room and talk about these kinds of things, they've really got to set egos aside. If they can do that, they will get healthy returns JERRY WRIGHT What do you hope to leave as a legacy at United? We've been able to do to effect change in the industry. Some of the key things were the creation of a true fresh potato database. I feel like what we've done is educate the entire industry on the value of accurate data. We've helped educate the average potato grower on supply-demand economics. Today, they understand the impact of supply and demand, and balance supply in their individual markets, and are able to make more informed decisions with the data so they can manage their own prosperity. One legacy I'm grateful to leave in the industry is a better understanding of how regional supply-demand economics actually work to give growers power to manage their own destiny. What we've done is provide everyone a reliable, accurate database and understanding of supply and demand. We've helped each area regionally understand those dynamics for their areas. They've been able to balance their supply with demand in many areas, and it's contributed to improved prosperity and stability in the potato industry. Do you feel like the grower population is learning from this information? The grower population in general has grown in their understanding and use of the data. They're definitely getting it. In some areas, growers not only get the data, they use the data and make business decisions based on it, and it shows in their returns. It's one thing to have data. Anyone can look at numbers. It's what you do with the numbers that makes a difference. Why do you think United has been a success? I wouldn't for a moment take pride of authorship or accolades for United. There was a core group of Idaho and another core group across the country that got the vision. They were the ones that did it. It wasn't anything Jerry Wright did. From its start, it was a true grower-driven movement. Even today, in areas that prosper, it is a grower-driven movement and process that has become a strategy. What are your plans after United? I chose to retire because I've been called to serve as a full-time missionary for the LDS Church. I'm called to serve in Project Self- Reliance, a church-wide program focused on eliminating poverty worldwide. I'm involved in job creation initiatives worldwide and a new process the church has launched worldwide on helping members start small businesses. As I leave the potato industry, I'm able to build upon the last 10 years I've spent in the potato industry to work with people worldwide to improve their lives. It's already been very, very rewarding for me. WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 39