Piper's love of potato farming was known to all in the industry, and it led him to work with Potatoes New Brunswick.
Executive director Robert Gareau said Piper spent six years with Potatoes NB, five of which he served on the executive as treasurer, vice-chairman and recently chairman.
Gareau called Piper a valuable asset to the industry. He explained Piper helped out numerous committees for Potatoes NB during his time.
Following his tenure as chairman, Piper continued to lead Potatoes NB's research committee and sat as co-chairman of the newly-formed seed growers committee.
"He was very much involved in a lot of different parts of the industry,"explained Gareau. "He helped revive our marketing and promotion campaign, and was instrumental in combining our two offices into one.
He pointed out Piper also represented the region at the national level.
"He was a big promoter of increasing research funds and accepting funds for research projects for the potato industry,"explained Gareau. "He really had a positive outlook, and it was really refreshing to have someone with his outlook who could really encourage the new and young farmers to get involved.
