On Tuesday, June 25, following the 12th World Potato Congress in Adelaide, Australia, an Industry Award Ceremony was held to recognize nine individuals who have devoted their life’s work to the potato industry.   WPC president Peter VanderZaag presented the awards at the sold-out closing Gala Dinner with more than 800 attendees. 
 
 

The nine Global Industry Award winners are:  Nelio Campelio, Philippines; Walter Davidson, Canada; Abd-Allah Md Dhaif-Allah, Yemen; Dr. Paul Horne, Australia; Dr. Liping Jin, China; Dr. Mohinder Singh Kadian, India, Frank Mitolo, Australia; Alan Pye, Australia, Dengshe (Don) Wang, China.

Walter Davidson was born in Aughton Lancashire, England. He served in the British Army during his teenage years. He had the opportunity in 1956 to immigrate to Canada, arriving with $15 in his pocket. Upon arrival, Walter began working on a farm that dealt primarily with cattle and grain but eventually moved on to growing potatoes on about 50 acres. When the Crang family decided to sell, Walter and his wife Linda started his dream vision and bought the farm. From there they grew his dream to what it is today: W.D. Potato Limited.

 

The company is a $120 million, third-generation, family-owned business that has a large storage and transportation facility situated on a 150-acre site located in the heart of Beeton, Ontario. WD Potato Limited has been in the business of potatoes for more than 50 years. Walter has a great depth of knowledge and experience in growing, handling, storing, and transporting potatoes for the chip processing industry in both the U.S. and Canada.

 

Walter has always been a man of his word; he believes a handshake seals a deal. He has built a relationship with a network of 45 processing chips and seed growers, increased storage and wash capabilities and has a dedicated fleet of trucks to provide the business.

 

Walter and his wife Linda are true believers in giving back to the community in which they have prospered. The vision of WD Potato Ltd is to work together and build long-lasting, beneficial and rewarding relationships. Walter and Linda have carried this same vision into their community by supporting the local memorial hospital and the people in which it serves, along with supporting local sports organizations and charities.

Source: World Potato Congress June 26, 2024 news release