Ben Sklarczyk elected 2026 President of National Potato Council
Michigan seed grower outlines focus on dietary guidelines, trade fairness, and grower advocacy.
USA – The National Potato Council has elected Michigan grower Ben Sklarczyk as its 2026 President during its annual Washington Summit held from February 23 to 26.
Delegates confirmed Sklarczyk’s appointment at the Annual Meeting of the Voting Delegates on February 23. He will serve a one year term leading the council’s Executive Committee.
Sklarczyk is a third generation grower and owner of Sklarczyk Seed Farm, a hydroponic seed potato business based in Johannesburg, Michigan. He took full ownership of the farm ten years ago after he and his wife, Alison, bought it from his father, Don Sklarczyk, who led the council in 2007.
Although Sklarczyk grew up working on the farm’s row crop side, he first pursued mechanical engineering at Western Michigan University. He later transferred to Michigan State University and graduated in December 2003 with a degree focused on agriculture.
He joined the National Potato Council in the early 2000s and became a member of the Board of Directors in 2010. Over the past decade, he has served on the Executive Committee in several roles, including First Vice President and Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Environmental Affairs, Finance, and Grower Outreach and Industry Research.
Policy and trade priorities
As he takes office, Sklarczyk has set clear goals for the year ahead.
“Our 2026 agenda will focus on capitalizing on new federal dietary guidelines to promote potatoes as a staple of good health, ensuring fair trade practices for U.S. potatoes globally, and removing non tariff trade barriers,” he said.
He also stressed the need for stronger grower involvement in policy discussions.
“I also want to emphasize the importance of grower engagement with state and federal representatives to ensure the industry’s voice is heard in policy making,” Sklarczyk added.
The 2026 Executive Committee includes Dean Gibson of Paul, Idaho, as First Vice President and Vice President of Legislative Affairs; Chris Olsen of Othello, Washington, as Vice President of Environmental Affairs; Greg Harris of Boardman, Oregon, as Vice President of Finance; TJ Hall of Hoople, North Dakota, as Vice President of Grower Outreach and Industry Research; Brett Jensen of Idaho Falls, Idaho, as Vice President of Trade Affairs; and Ted Tschirky of Pasco, Washington, as Immediate Past President.
During the Washington Summit, growers and industry leaders met with Members of Congress and administration officials to discuss federal nutrition programs, trade agreements, and research funding for the U.S. potato sector.
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