Donald Stavert, a seed potato grower from Lower Freetown, has been elected as the new chair of the PEI Potato Board, taking over from John Visser of Victoria-By-The-Sea, who held the position for the past three years.
The new executive team was elected on Nov. 20 during a Board of Directors meeting.
Stavert, who has been actively involved in the industry, previously served as the board’s vice-chair and currently chairs the industry’s Seed Committee. He represents the seed sector for the Central district and operates Stavert Farms Ltd. with his family in Lower Freetown.
Katie MacLennan, who has served on the board for two years, has been appointed as the new vice chair. She represents the seed sector for the Western district and operates MacLennan Properties Ltd. in West Cape with her husband, Jonathan.
Randy Visser has assumed the role of Secretary-Treasurer, bringing one year of service to the board. He represents the table sector for the Central district and works with his partners at G. Visser & Sons in Orwell.
The Board also welcomed three new directors: Andrew Nieuwhof of Blue Bay Farms in Rustico, Chris Rennie of Blois Rennie Farms in Elmsdale, and Diane Huestis of Cradle Isle Enterprises in Freetown. Additionally, Rylan MacLellan will join as the new Young Farmer’s representative by the start of the new year.
Remaining on the Board are Rit VanNieuwenhuyzen, Guy Cudmore, Ian Shaw, Becky Townshend, John Griffin, and Shawn Birch.
