Prince Edward Island Agriculture Minister Neil LeClair today announced the appointment of Rachael M. Cheverie to the position of Potato Industry Co-ordinator. This is a new position within the department and in addition to the traditional extension role of the potato specialist, she will also be focusing on co-ordinating potato sector research, department potato- related activities and events in the province. She will also be the provincial contact on a number of national committees on potatoes and pesticide risk reduction.
“This new focus will enable the department to strengthen its support to the Prince Edward Island potato industry,” said Mr. LeClair. “Our aim is to ensure that the potato industry in this province continues to be a world leader in sustainable production practices.”
Cheverie has a B.Sc (Agriculture) from McGill University and a M.Sc. (Environmental Biology) from the University of Guelph. She has been employed as the Integrated Pest Management Specialist with the province for the past eight years and has had extensive experience in the field of potato pest management and pesticide risk reduction. She is also a Certified Crop Advisor and sits on the governing board of this organization in Atlantic Canada.
“Although I thoroughly enjoyed my work as the provincial IPM specialist, it was difficult to divide my time among so many important commodities, so I’m looking forward to working more closely with the Prince Edward Island potato industry as we work through the many challenges facing producers today,” said Cheverie.
She is a native of East Point, Prince Edward Island and currently resides in Charlottetown.