The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has certified three nominees for the upcoming Wisconsin Potato Industry Board elections. Potato growers across the state will have until June 15, 2023, to vote for their preferred candidates in their respective districts.
In District 1, Tom Wild from Antigo has been nominated to represent counties including Brown, Clark, Door, Marinette, Polk, St. Croix, and Washburn, among others. Nicola Carey from Bancroft is the nominee for District 2, which encompasses Marathon, Portage, and Waupaca counties, among others. Heidi Randall from Cambria is the nominee for District 3, covering counties such as Dane, Grant, Milwaukee, Rock, Waukesha, and many more.
Ballots were mailed to eligible potato growers during the week of May 8, 2023. In case growers have not received their ballots by May 15, they can request one by contacting DATCP Market Orders staff. Eligible growers can vote for the candidate in their district or write in the name of another eligible producer. Completed ballots must be emailed or mailed to DATCP by June 15, 2023.
The elected producers will begin their three-year terms on July 1, 2023. The Wisconsin Potato Industry Board, consisting of nine producers across the state, oversees the collection and utilization of approximately $1.7 million in assessment fees paid by Wisconsin potato growers. These funds are dedicated to supporting the potato industry through research, education, and the promotion of locally grown potatoes.
DATCP serves as the administrator for elections of Wisconsin commodity marketing boards. For more information about market order boards and their functions, growers can visit the DATCP website.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Potato Industry Board
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables