The Canadian Potato Council (CPC) was established to represent Canadian potato growers on issues of national significance through the collaboration and cooperation of the provincial potato organizations. The CPC has two elected representatives per province in the eight major potato producing provinces and is housed within the Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC). The Potato Portfolio Manager reports to the Chair of the CPC Executive Committee with the objective to improve the economic well-being of potato growers in Canada. This leadership role manages the activities of the CPC and works closely with members organizations and federal government officials on relevant industry issues, challenges, and opportunities.
Reporting to the Chair of the CPC Executive Committee:
- Lead and manage the activities of the Canadian Potato Council (CPC) and the Seed Potato Sub Committee (SPSC), advocating for the potato portfolio with a focus on plant health, trade, marketing, certification, and crop protection.
- Support the FVGC Executive Director with advocacy pertaining to the Potato Portfolio, and provide support to, and collaborate with, the FVGC staff on a day-to-day and on-going basis as needed, as the main Potato Portfolio experience and liaison to the CPC and SPSC.
- Monitor and respond to federal government legislative, policy, and regulatory developments, representing the position of the CPC on matters concerning plant health, trade, and marketing of fresh and seed potatoes.
- Develop and maintain relationships with potato industry stakeholders at national and provincial levels, collaborating to resolve challenges and promote the interests of the potato sector.
- Attend standard setting and other meetings as required, including the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) and the Potato Association of America (PAA) Certification Section.
- Provide input on the export trade of Canadian potatoes, including maximum residue limits (MRLs), and represent the CPC on international platforms such as the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE).
- Provide technical support to the CPC Research Working Group, ensuring alignment with national research priorities, and manage the bilingual Potato Research Cluster website to disseminate project progress and industry insights.
- Coordinate, plan, and organize CPC and SPSC meetings, while serving as the recording secretary, and managing approved budgets, funding applications, and performance reporting on a quarterly and/or annual basis in collaboration with federal officials.
Your background and skills include:
- 3+ years of relevant work experience in the agriculture industry is essential. Experience working for and/or exposure to an agriculture association or government agency is an asset.
- An undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Ag Economics, Plant Science, or a related field. A Master’s (MSc or MBA) degree is preferred.
- Strong background in agronomy and pest management with experience in government relations.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset.
- Ability to work independently, but also an effective team player to facilitate collaboration and cooperation among member organizations to reach collective goals.
- Effective data and policy analysis, synthesis, and proven initiative in problem solving.
- Ability to interact with members, allied stakeholders and government and elected officials.
- Solid understanding of federal government operations and federal legislation relevant to the crop production sector in Canada, ideally in potatoes.
This full-time position is based in the Ottawa office of FVGC, which is a hybrid work environment.
Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. We also provide accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.
