THE WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND IDAHO POTATO COMMISSIONS WELCOME RAINA SPENCE AS THE NEW MANAGER OF THE NORTHWEST POTATO RESEARCH CONSORTIUM (NPRC)
The Washington, Oregon, and Idaho Potato Commissions welcome Raina Spence as the new manager of the Northwest Potato Research Consortium (NPRC). Raina will begin working with Dr. Andy Jensen on October 16, 2023, receiving training as Andy transitions to retirement.
Having first served the potato industry as a graduate student studying potato late blight in the early 2000s, Raina brings decades of experience to her new role as the NPRC manager. Having a career that spans university extension work to international diplomacy, Raina most recently hails from the fresh produce food safety sector, where she has been a producer advocate and held leadership roles within the International Fresh Produce Association’s Food Safety Council Steering Committee. Raina resides in Washington State, enjoying the many outdoor activities the region offers including rowing, hiking, and horseback riding. She is looking forward to serving the potato industry in this capacity. Raina may be reached at