New President For NPC

By Growing Produce Staff|March 1, 2009

Ed Schneider of Pasco, WA, was elected president of the National Potato Council (NPC) at NPC’s annual meeting held last month. Schneider, who has always lived on a farm, formed Schneider Farms in 1982 with his father, producing potatoes, sweet corn, and wheat.

Schneider served as a commissioner on the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) from 1996 to 2005, serving on all its committees and as 2001-2002 chairman. One of the major advancements he witnessed as a Commissioner was WSPC’s involvement in government relations, both at the state and national levels.

“There was a need there that wasn’t being filled,” said Schneider. “It makes us more proactive rather than reactive to issues that affect our industry.”

In 2006, Schneider was elected to serve on NPC’s Executive Committee as the vice president of Legislative and Government Affairs. He continued to serve in that role until he was elected to serve as president. His term will run for one year.

Schneider said he is optimistic about the future of NPC and sees sustainability as a great opportunity. “We have a chance to be leaders in the area of sustainability, to show buyers and consumers that we are good stewards of the land,” affirmed Schneider. “We provide safe, nutritious food products, and we plan on producing these products for generations to come.”