Idaho Potato Comm. Taps Blacker for Director Post

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has recruited Travis Blacker (left), former president of the Idaho Grower Shippers Association (IGSA), as its new industry relations director. Blacker will focus on building and developing relationships between the IPC and all industry members, including growers, shippers and processors.

“The leadership Travis has provided to the industry and his day-to-day experience working directly with growers and shippers will prove invaluable in increasing and improving industry communication,” said Frank Muir, president and CEO of the Eagle, Idaho-based IPC. “As an Idahoan, Travis understands how important potatoes are to the Idaho economy and the importance and power of a well-informed and unified industry.” ? ?

In addition to serving as the IPC’s Eastern Idaho representative, Blacker will oversee three committees that focus on different aspects of the Idaho potato industry.

• The Agriculture Affairs Committee focuses on environmental, legislative, regulatory, immigration and labor issues. The committee also reviews farming practices.
• The Marketing Committee provides input on the overall marketing of fresh and processed potato products that are sold domestically and abroad, as well as guidance on the Good Agricultural Programs (GAP).
• The Research and Education Committee provides support for the Potato Variety Management Institute (PVMI), input on basic research funding, and the expanse of organic and specialty variety potatoes.

With more than 19 years of experience in the Idaho potato industry, Blacker is eager to apply his knowledge and expertise to his new position at the IPC. “I’m very much looking forward to this opportunity to work for such a forward-thinking and dynamic organization,” said Blacker. “My predecessor has done a tremendous job in creating and expanding communication channels between the IPC and the Idaho potato industry and I’m looking forward to taking it to the next level.”

Prior to his role at IGSA, Blacker served as the supply chain manager at Eagle, Idaho-based Dickinson’s Frozen Foods and as the customer service manager at Sugar City, Idaho-based NorSun Food Group.