Potatoes

Former Fresh Direct CEO David Lawrence will succeed Davenport in the role, who retires after more than 30 years with the company.

Retail ads for potatoes trailed only apples for conventional produce the week of Nov. 29, says the USDA National Retail Report.

The board says the potato industry contributes $1.35 billion to the Prince Edward Island economy and that a prolonged trade war will damage the industry and drive up food costs for Americans.

Ted Tschirky, a third-generation processing potato grower, served on the Washington State Potato Commission before joining NPC in a leadership role.

Groundbreaking on the production site is expected this year, with the first phase of the project representing a $450 million investment.

Fourth-generation family farm operator Loren Estad and potato pathology research specialist Dean Peterson were recently honored by the organization.