M A R C H 2 0 1 8 26 POTATO GROWER Eric was raised on a farm in rural Forest River, North Dakota. He attended North Dakota State University graduating in 1999 with a B.S. in Agricultural and Bio- Systems Engineering. After graduation Eric returned to the Halverson family farm, known as Black Gold Farms, as one of the fourth-generation family members with a focus on new technolo- gy. On October of 2014, Eric succeeded his father, Gregg, as CEO of Black Gold Farms on Gregg’s 65th birthday. Black Gold Farms, a multi-state farming oper- ation focused on potato production farming in excess of 25,000 acres, is headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Leadership development has been a major emphasis for Eric after college. He has attended The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP) at Texas A&M in 2004; he took part in the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) in 2008 where he was elected Grower Leader returning to lead the 2009 class. Recently, he completed the Executive Development Program at the Wharton School of Business and is cur- rently enrolled in their General Management Program. Eric has been active in the industry as a member of the Association of Agricultural Production Executives (AAPEX), where he was elected to serve as President in 2017. He currently sits on the board of Potatoes USA (formally the United States Potato Board) where he has held positions on the Executive Committee and the Administrative Committee. He currently is on the Grower Shipper Board of United Fresh and the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association where he is the currently the Chairman of the Board. Eric was named to the 2012 “40 under 40” list by Business Watch Magazine of North Dakota, awarded Spudman’s Magazine Emerging Leader Award in 2013. He was also named to the 2014 class of “40 under 40” by Produce Business Magazine. Eric has been blessed to work with a high performing team that has brought attention to Black Gold Farms and himself. Eric and his wife, Yvette, have been mar- ried for 14 years and have four daugh- ters: Lucy (12), Stella (10), Ruby (7), and Lola (2). As a family they love to travel and cheer on their favorite football teams, especially attending and tailgat- ing NDSU football games. Eric also enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time. Eric and his family are members of Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Eric says, “First I would like to thank Greg Campbell for his leadership over the past year, he did a fine job as Chairman. I am excited about the opportunity to lead the NPPGA. This region has a rich history of potato pro- duction, and a long tradition of leader- ship in the potato history. It is an honor to be able to work along side the board of directors in our efforts to build on this history. I am encouraged by the engagement of the industry, particularly those of the “next” generation. For this “next” generation it is our time to step up and make a difference. This is a time of transition, and we will choose to look at this transition as an opportunity to consider the overall goals and objectives of the NPPGA. We will look at this time to reinvigorate, refresh and renew the overall mission of the NPPGA. With a clear understanding of our mission, goals, and objectives we will be able to find the right person to take over as the new President of the Association. Finally I would like to thank Chuck for his help and support and for everything he has done for potato growers in this region. We wish him all the best in his coming retirement.” Eric Halverson of Black Gold Farms Takes Over As New NPPGA Chairman Eric Halverson and his wife Yvette at the 2018 NPPGA Chairman’s Banquet.