DALLAS — Jared Balcom, a fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Wash., has been named The Packer’s 2026 Potato Person of the Year. Recognized by his peers and the National Potato Council, Balcom was honored for his instrumental role in modernizing the organization and helping to guide the industry through uncertainty with a focus on the future.
The Packer presented Balcom, owner of Balcom & Moe, with the award Jan. 8 in conjunction with the National Potato Council during Potato Expo 2026.
Balcom served as president of the NPC in 2022 and is a current member of the USDA Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. NPC says Balcom led an industry transition from a defensive posture to a proactive policy agenda.
“Under his guidance, the NPC and its state partners secured more than $350 million in emergency federal assistance for growers, a historic level of support that mitigated the economic devastation caused by government shutdowns and supply chain disruptions,” the organization says.
NPC says Balcom’s leadership helped champion initiatives that reduced costs while delivering new advocacy capabilities to help it remain agile and effective. The organization says Balcom’s leadership philosophy of unity has helped forge NPC’s future.
“He consistently emphasized that whether the issue is trade, nutritional regulations, or environmental policy, the industry succeeds only when it stands together,” the organization says.
Ted Tschirky, 2025 NPC president, commends Balcom for his forward-thinking ability to anticipate trends and future needs.
“He possesses the unique ability to communicate complex issues effectively, whether he is speaking to a grower or a member of Congress,” Tschirky says. “The breadth of his involvement spans from high-level international trade negotiations to local community improvements, such as ensuring our roads are safe for travel.”
Tschirky says Balcom’s approach to leadership has a broad influence, including his role on the board of directors with his local irrigation district, the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District, where he has professionalized the organization’s advocacy efforts.
“Applying lessons learned from his time with the Washington State Potato Commission and NPC, Jared led the creation of white papers and advocacy materials that have elevated the district’s profile with elected officials,” Tschirky says. “He is a champion for agriculture at every level.”
NPC also recognizes Balcom’s longtime involvement in the potato industry.
Balcom, a graduate of the Potato LEAF Leadership Institute, has taken on a greater role within national policy. In 2025, then-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and then-U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai reappointed him to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. In this role, Balcom provides counsel to federal officials on international trade policy. NPC says this high-profile role ensures potato growers have a seat at the table during high-level negotiations.
“[He] represents the best of our industry: a grower who protects his family business while dedicating countless hours to fighting for the federal policies that protect us all,” NPC says. “His ability to build relationships with D.C. policymakers, while simultaneously modernizing the NPC for the future, makes him the ideal choice for Potato Person of the Year.”
