GREENSBORO, N.C.-Continuing its investment in the future of agriculture, Syngenta recognizes Alana Peters, a senior at Prosser High School in Prosser, Wash., as the 2012 recipient of the $5,000 Syngenta Potato Scholarship.
Peters, a member of 4-H, was recognized at the Potato Expo in Las Vegas, Nev., in January. Syngenta scholarship judge Steve Gomme, crop portfolio lead, noted Peters' leadership qualities as being a future boon to the industry.
"Alana's background in agriculture sets the stage for her to be a leader in the industry," Gomme says. "She has a real understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry and an appreciation for the role that education and marketing can play in the industry's future success."
Scholarship recipients are judged based upon their response to an essay question pertaining to the future of the industry. Alana's response highlighted the need for increased education and public awareness regarding the vast nutritional benefits of potatoes, as well as the pivotal role technology plays in the industry's future.
"By utilizing new farming technologies and recent scientific finds to market the potato and educate the public about the importance of agriculture, farming legacies can be continued and expanded," Peters says.
Judging for the scholarship was conducted by an industry panel with representation from: Spudman, the United States Potato Board, the National Potato Council, Potato Grower magazine and Syngenta.
"Syngenta invests in the development of not only superior products but also in the education of tomorrow's agricultural leaders," said Gomme. "We're excited to see the great things Alana will continue to accomplish, and we're proud to play an integral role in investing in and supporting agricultural leaders of tomorrow."
Scholarships are just one way Syngenta invests in the future of agriculture. Syngenta also supports today's industry leaders by sponsoring the Potato Industry Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is comprised of innovators who drive agricultural advancements and support the potato industry.
Visit www.SyngentaPotatoScholarship.com