The National Potato Council (NPC) and Potatoes USA are accepting applications for the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) class of 2017. The annual eight-day program, to be held Feb. 8-16, 2017, is designed to identify, develop and cultivate new leaders within the U.S. potato industry.
During the program, 20 potato growers and industry representatives from across the country focus on leadership development, public policy, marketing, team building and public communication. The 2017 class will begin in Bangor, Maine, where participants will receive an overview of the U.S. potato industry and tour local production areas, storages, fresh pack facilities and processing plants. The group will then travel to Washington, D.C., where the focus shifts to national legislative and regulatory policy priorities for the U.S. potato industry.
Participants are selected through state organization nominations and a committee facilitated by the NPC and Potatoes USA, who jointly coordinate the program. The Institute is made possible each year through a major sponsorship from Syngenta, which has a long history of commitment to leadership development in agriculture.
The Institute is accepting applications for a scholarship available to a grower who lacks a state or local potato organization. The scholarship covers the $2,000 PILI registration fee, air transportation, lodging and meals. All applicants will be reviewed by the selection committee.
Registration forms and scholarship applications are available online here or by contacting Hillary Hutchins at hillaryh@nationalpotatocouncil.org. The deadline for both applications is Oct. 14, 2016.