MOSES LAKE, Wash. — The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) is pleased to announce the recent addition of Dr. Matthew Blua to its organization as the director of industry outreach.
Blua joins the WSPC as a decorated Ph.D. entomologist who has spent most of his career in California. His role at the commission will be focused on providing technical advice and assistance to the industry in regards to pest and plant diagnostics, food safety and sustainability programs. He will oversee various research projects funded by the WSPC and coordinate efforts with other research institutions to develop key educational information. This information will be distributed to growers, shippers, processors and other industry members of the Washington State potato industry.
“Matthew will be a great addition, not only to the commission but to the entire potato industry throughout Washington State,” says the Commission’s executive director, Chris Voigt. “Matthew has an impressive background as a research specialist who has worked face-to-face with growers on numerous insect and plant pathology issues. In his position he will have the chance to work directly with our farmers and assist them with everything from diagnostic support to audit preparation and many other aspects they face on their farms and in their fields.”
Most recently, Blua was involved with the California Avocado Commission researching a potentially devastating ambrosia beetle that is new to the industry. Throughout his career he also has been a fixed-term faculty member at Penn State University and a research scientist at the University of California. Blua previously owned a produce farm where he grew a wide range of products that he sold at his roadside stand to local restaurants and food cooperatives.
“I have a deep appreciation and regard for agriculture,” says Blua. “I look forward to bringing my experience as a scientist and farmer to Washington potato growers through the WSPC. I invite input from the potato-growing community regarding their needs and desires for this position.”
Blua grew up in the high desert of California on a family-owned and -operated alfalfa ranch approximately 60 miles northeast of Los Angeles. He would go on to earn degrees in both botany (B.S.) and biology (M.S.) from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of California, Riverside.
Blua has two daughters in college. While his daughters were at home he was able to grow most of the fruit and vegetables that his family enjoyed. He enjoys being a home winemaker and is a lover of fine cuisine and music.
Source: Columbia Basin Herald