Steve Elfering Was Voted as the Chair of Potatoes USA
Steve Elfering of Boise, Idaho, was voted as the Chair of Potatoes USA - the national marketing, research, and promotion organization for the potato business, during its annual conference. Additionally, Potatoes USA revealed who will serve on its Executive Committee from 2025 to 2026.
Elfering is the chief executive officer of 1,4Group, Inc., a family-run chemical distribution company that helps potato farmers. Over the course of his more than thirty years in the business, he has gained extensive experience in everything from research to fresh potato cultivation and marketing to supplier work. For the past 14 years, Elfering has also been involved with Potatoes USA, most recently serving as the chair of the Communications Committee.
“It’s an honor to be elected to lead this group where we all have such a clear sense of why we do this work. We have passion for the product itself, passion for strengthening demand for this fantastic, versatile food, and passion for bringing together the deep expertise of people who make this an amazing industry,” Elfering mentioned.
Elfering wants to continue building on the work that has been done at Potatoes USA while also keeping an eye on changes in the international market. He has a unique perspective when it comes to the global picture – about 80% of 1,4Group’s business is international.
“We’re on such a good path. Continuing to educate people about potato nutrition is key, and grower outreach and communication back to the industry is key. I also want to look at the impact that competition is having in international markets and make sure we have the best possible strategy in place for U.S. potatoes,” he added.
Elfering also believes the way the industry comes together through Potatoes USA is one of the most important strengths of the organization.
“Those involved in Potatoes USA are competitors to some degree, but when we’re here, we’re walking hand-in-hand to support the industry as a whole and implement programs that make things better for all of us,” Elfering declared.
In addition to Elfering, Potatoes USA’s 2025-2026 Executive Committee members include: - Hunter Gibbs of Washington, N.C., Chair of Market Development Consumer Committee; - Kathy Sponheim of Urbana, Ohio, Chair, Nutrition, and Health Committee; - Nathan Bender of Bakersfield, Calif., Co-Chair, Production Research Committee; - Trever Belnap of Hamer, Idaho, Chair, Communications Committee; - Dave Masser of Sacramento, Pa., Chair, Market Development Retail Committee; - Jess Blatchford of Baker City, Ore., Co-Chair, Production Research Committee; - Wendy Dykstra of Rio, Wis., Chair, Finance, and Policy Committee; - Cliff Shaw of Monte Vista, Colo., Chair, Culinary Committee; - Travis Meacham of Moses Lake, Wash., Chair, Market Development Foodservice Committee; - Shelley Olsen of Othello, Wash., Immediate Past Chair.
“I have full confidence that this executive committee is going to make a notable impact in the year ahead, along with all the Potatoes USA board members,” Elfering concluded.
