How Potatoes USA is restructuring the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)

During the Potatoes USA Summer Meeting held in Seattle August 10, it was announced that the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) has been restructured in an effort to minimize overhead costs and expand research on potato nutrition.

The decision was made by the APRE board of directors in a May 2016 meeting following a five-month strategic planning process.

As a part of the refocused effort, the physical location of APRE was discontinued to enhance funding for research, particularly in the area of clinical trials which will be an integral part of building the case for the inclusion of potatoes in all forms as part of a healthy diet.

To support the strategic plans objectives, the APRE board retained FoodMinds to help manage and execute the organization's new goals. The firm is a food and nutrition communications and consulting company that works to transform the way opinion leaders think about food, nutrition and health. In addition to 35 employees, it regularly calls upon an extensive network of nutrition affairs experts around the globe to assist in the execution of its clients' missions. Other agricultural clients include or have included avocadoes, eggs and blueberries.

Potatoes USA has been and continues to play a significant role on the APRE board and will continue funding this important investment on behalf of the potato industry. We are excited about the direction of the organization and to support the future research and education efforts to facilitated by APRE.
 

FoodMinds Named Agency of Record for Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) Nutrition Research Programs

 

FoodMinds

FoodMinds announced that after a competitive review, it has been selected as agency of record for the nutrition research programs of the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE).

Frank D. Finn, APRE board chairman and President of McCain Foods US:
 

“FoodMinds attracted our interest by demonstrating strong capabilities and a proven track record of success in developing and sustaining effective clinical research and nutrition affairs programs.”

“FoodMinds has the experience and nutrition and scientific credentials the APRE program needs. Our program will have a clear focus on understanding through scientific research the role all forms of potatoes — a nutritious vegetable — may have in promoting good nutrition and health for all age groups.”

FoodMinds, which was acquired by PadillaCRT in May, will work with APRE to establish research priorities and objectives to advance the body of scientific evidence about the role of potatoes in a healthy diet.

The work will include managing the research pipeline in coordination with APRE’s Scientific Advisory Committee. FoodMinds – with 15 dietitians on staff and PhD expertise – also will provide insights and strategic analysis on key nutrition topics, and support in the communication of research in scientific forums and with the broader research community.

Sue Pitman, MA, RD, Executive Vice President and co-founder of FoodMinds:
 

“This exciting new work with APRE fits well with our expertise in navigating food and nutrition science, public affairs and communications.”

“We are optimistic about the direction the APRE board is taking to advance understanding of the nutrition and health attributes of potatoes.”

Source: FoodMinds