The 2024 P.E.I. Potato Industry Awards Banquet was held Friday, Nov. 22 in Charlottetown and two members of the potato industry were recognized at the event.
Kevin McKenna was posthumously honored for his steadfast dedication to the P.E.I. potato industry over four decades. Joining his father and uncle’s packing and shipping business in 1983, Kevin took on the key responsibility of developing and expanding markets, with a focus on the export side of the business. He played a pivotal role in opening new markets for P.E.I. potatoes in Venezuela, Trinidad, and Central America. Kevin frequently travelled to these regions to grow the business and resolve challenges at the ports. The press release notes that his commitment to building lasting relationships with growers and customers was unmatched, and many of those customers, or their families, remain with McKenna Brothers 40 years later. The award was presented to Kevin’s wife, Linda, and their children, Nolan and Caitlin.
Joanne Driscoll was also recognized for her longstanding dedication to agriculture, particularly her contributions to P.E.I. potato producers. Driscoll has led key research initiatives and tackled critical challenges within the industry. Her expertise has been invaluable to Island producers in adhering to CanadaGAP food safety protocols, and her years of service on the technical advisory committee highlight her comprehensive understanding of farm operations. The release notes that Driscoll’s ability to truly grasp the needs of farmers, along with her passionate representation of agricultural interests at various forums, is highly commendable.
The PEI Potato Board and industry congratulates all recipients of these prestigious awards and expresses thanks to everyone for their tremendous contributions to this vital Island industry.
