The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) recently announced John Mesko as its new executive director.
Mesko has an extensive and diverse agriculture background, including agronomic sales and service, information management, university education, farming and nonprofit leadership. He grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Minnesota, gaining a passion for farming and tremendous respect for farmers. Since graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master’s degree in agricultural economics, Mesko’s diverse career in agriculture has centered around helping farmers become more financially and environmentally sustainable. He brings expertise in engaging farmers and others in the food and farming value chain in understanding and implementing sustainable farming practices as well as documenting and demonstrating sustainability improvements along the way.
Mesko’s most recent position was senior director of the Soil Health Partnership. He is eager to help PSA move forward in achieving its vision to be the recognized leader advancing sustainability in the potato industry.
“I like the potential PSA has to make a real difference in the way we think about farm and food sustainability,” says Mesko. “So much good work has already been done in setting up the organization; I’m grateful to be joining PSA at this exciting time.”
“As an organization committed to working with the potato industry to document and support sustainable crop production, we look forward to working with John,” says PSA board chair John MacQuarrie. “He brings a wealth of experience in the field of sustainable food production, and he will be a great asset to the Potato Sustainability Alliance.”
Mesko can be reached at mesko@potatosustainability.org or (763) 260-0209.