JARED BALCOM NAMED THE PACKERS 2026 POTATO PERSON OF THE YEAR

During the National Potato Council’s (NPC) 2026 Potato Expo, Balcom, owner of Balcom & Moe, received the honor of being named 2026 Potato Person of the Year by The Packer, recognizing his leadership in strengthening industry advocacy while protecting family-run farming operations.

A former NPC president (2022), Balcom was recognized for helping modernize the organization and guiding the potato industry through a period of significant uncertainty with a forward-looking, proactive policy agenda. Under Balcom’s leadership, NPC and its state partners secured more than $350 million in emergency federal assistance for growers. This historic support helped offset economic impacts from government shutdowns and supply-chain disruptions. He also championed initiatives that reduced costs and expanded advocacy capabilities, positioning the organization to remain agile and effective.

Balcom’s national leadership builds on deep experience at the state level. He served as a commissioner for the Washington State Potato Commission from 2008 to 2017, including a term as Chairman from 2013–2014.

Beyond national leadership, Balcom’s influence extends to regional and local advocacy. He serves on the board of the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District, where he helped professionalize outreach efforts and elevate the district’s profile with elected officials.

A graduate of the Potato LEAF Leadership Institute, Balcom also serves on the USDA Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. He was reappointed in 2025 by then–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and then–U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, ensuring potato growers have direct representation in high-level international trade discussions.