NDSU and University of Minnesota potato Extension agronomist Andy Robinson received the Emerging Leader Award from the National Potato Council. He was recognized during the organization's annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 9-10.

Robinson received the third annual Spudman Emerging Leader Award, sponsored by Bayer CropScience. It is presented to individuals under the age of 35 who promote the potato industry and exhibit leadership and community involvement. Award nominations are submitted by growers, shippers, researchers, marketers and leaders in the potato industry.

Robinson has worked as the potato Extension agronomist in a joint position for NDSU and the University of Minnesota since 2012. The focus of his work is finding solutions for problems faced by potato growers in Minnesota and North Dakota. He conducts research on disease problems such as late and early blight, the effects of row spacing, nutrient management and herbicide exposure. He also plans field days and winter meetings and develops educational materials in written and digital formats.

Robinson also heads the planning committee for the 2017 Potato Association of America annual convention, which will be held in Fargo in July 2017. The convention is expected to attract more than 300 national and international potato researchers and industry stakeholders.

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