Department Appoints New Potato Specialist

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry has appointed Paul MacPhail of Clyde River as the new potato specialist. The position had been vacant since Peter Boswall was appointed as Field Crop Development Officer. Mr. MacPhail will begin his new duties in early June.

"The staffing of this position is essential to the potato industry, and the department looks forward to supporting producers in providing quality extension services in sustainable production," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy in making the announcement. "Paul MacPhail brings to the position a high level of expertise and crop management experience, and I am confident he will be a major asset to the potato industry as part of the department's extension team."

Mr. MacPhail graduated from the University of Guelph with a Master of Science degree in horticulture. He has 26 years of experience in the potato industry, most recently in the private sector where he worked directly with producers. In the past, he worked with the department for more than six years as the potato specialist. He will be responsible for supporting all sectors of the industry through the acquisition, development and transfer of information related to the production, storage and utilization of potatoes.