The Washington State Potato Commission hires new director of industry outreach

The Washington State Potato Commission has hired a new director of industry outreach.

In the role, Matthew Blua, an entomologist, will provide technical advice and assistance to the industry on pest and plant diagnostics, food safety and sustainability programs, according to a news release.

Blua will oversee research projects funded by the commission and coordinate efforts with other research institutions to develop educational information.

Blua, who worked recently with the California Avocado Commission on pest research, has been a research scientist at Penn State University and the University of California. He also once owned a produce farm.

“Matthew will be a great addition, not only to the commission but to the entire potato industry throughout Washington state,” Chris Voigt, the commission’s executive director, said in the release. “Matthew has an impressive background as a research specialist who has worked face-to-face with growers on numerous insect and plant pathology issues.”