WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Potato Council (NPC) and the U.S. Potato Board (USPB) are accepting applications for the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) class of 2015. The annual eight-day program, to be held Feb. 19-26, 2015, is designed to identify, develop and cultivate new leaders within the U.S. potato industry.
During the program, 20 potato growers and industry representatives from across the country focus on leadership development, public policy, marketing, team building and public communication. The 2015 class will begin in eastern Washington State, where participants will receive an overview of the U.S. potato industry and tour local production areas, storages, fresh pack facilities and processing plants. The class will also learn about the area’s water challenges by visiting with regulators from the state Department of Ecology, the Columbia Basin Development League, and local irrigation districts. The group will then travel to Washington, D.C., where the focus will move to national legislative and regulatory policy priorities for the U.S. potato industry.
Participants are selected through state organization nominations and a committee facilitated by NPC and the USPB, who jointly coordinate the program. The Institute is made possible each year through a major sponsorship from Syngenta, which has a long history of commitment to leadership development in agriculture.
The Institute is also accepting applications for two scholarships targeting growers who lack a state or local potato organization. The scholarships cover the $2,000 PILI registration fee, air transportation, lodging and meals. Scholarships will be given based upon an application form reviewed by the selection committee.
Registration forms and scholarship applications are available online by clicking here or by contacting Marie Ruff at marier@nationalpotatocouncil.org. The deadline for both applications is October 15, 2014.