The Prince Edward Island Potato Board honoured four individuals at its 2023 P.E.I. Potato Industry Awards Banquet on Nov. 24 in Charlottetown, P.E.I., a Nov. 27 news release said. The individuals honoured included Ray Keenan, Andy Walker, Brenda Simmons and Mary Kay Sonier.
Keenan was presented with an award for his commitment to the P.E.I. potato industry. The release noted that he operates Rollo Bay Holdings in Rollo Bay, P.E.I. with his brother Alvin. They grow, pack and ship potatoes all over North America. Keenan helped to establish the United Potato Growers of Canada.
Walker was acknowledged for his contributions to both the P.E.I. potato industry and the broader, local agriculture sector. He is well known for his role as the former editor of the Island Farmer, which he began in 2000 and continued until retirement earlier this year. Walker earned an esteemed reputation for his steadfast commitment to delivering accurate and informative content to the industry and public, the release noted.
Simmons was the former assistant general manager of the P.E.I. Potato Board. She worked throughout the years, successfully guiding the industry through many good times as well as more challenging ones, the release said. Simmons has tremendous agriculture experience, having spent many years at AAFC and over twenty-five years at the Potato Board.
Sonier, who recently retired from the P.E.I. Potato Board, was also recognized for her considerable contributions to the industry, the release said. She was a highly regarded advisor both in and out of the field for over 32 years. Sonier served as the Board’s seed coordinator, was responsible for the Elite Seed Farm in Fox Island, P.E.I. and was the editor and publisher of the industry’s magazine, P.E.I. Potato News. She also played a key role in the recent potato wart crisis and is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable people in the country on the subject.
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