Consultant and Editor of Leading International Potato Magazines and Web Sites

About Lukie

image Lukie holds a Masters degree in Sociology; trained as a social development planner, and in a different lifetime was a lecturer in Sociology at a major university in South Africa. He left academia to manage his own diversified farming operation for 10 years in that country, growing drip irrigated potatoes under contract for several processing companies, including McCain, Frito-Lay and Heinz. After settling in Canada in 1996, Lukie launched a consulting company specializing in potato industry matters - Global Potato Focus Inc.

Over the years the company provided consulting services to several clients located in a number of potato producing countries in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, including the International Potato Center (CIP), World Potato Congress, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Lukie launched the initial version of Global Potato News in 1997, and has acted as content manager of the site since then. Global Potato News is owned and sponsored by Syngenta AG (USA and Switzerland) since 2000. This web site is one of the most popular potato web sites on the Internet, and it includes a comprehensive amount of information provided in 5 European languages, updated daily with international potato industry news.

Global Potato Focus Inc is responsible for other information services to the international potato industry, including a monthly international potato e-newsletter PotatoReporter Online, sponsored by the Dutch based DLG Benelux Group.

Lukie is the Co-Editor of the World Catalogue of Potato Varieties; a bi-annual publication documenting the characteristics of more than 4,500 commercial potato varieties cultivated in over a 100 countries. The book is published in 4 European languages by the AgriMedia publishing group in Germany.

Lukie is a columnist and editorial advisor for Spud Smart magazine, distributed to several thousand readers in North America. He conducts regular interviews with industry specialists for publication as audio clips on behalf of SpudCast, a monthly newsletter initiative of the Issues Ink publishing house in Canada.

Global Potato Tours was launched in early 2010 to provide a service to the international potato industry community - in particular to members who have a need to travel to other countries on specialized and guided potato tours. Lukie acts as Director and tour guide.

As part of his online editorial ventures over the years, Lukie sourced and published more than 15,000 potato related news articles and press releases in 5 European languages; distributed over 1 million e-newsletters to an international readership; and is maintaining a database of 10,000+ industry contacts representing 126 potato producing countries.

Lukie was involved in several potato cultivation projects and variety trials since settling in Canada. He became a Canadian citizen in 2002 and resides in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Experience

Director and Tour Guide (2010 to present)

Global Potato Tours

  • Launched this initiative to fill a need for individuals in the international industry who wish to visit other potato producing countries as part of a study group, and learn more about their particular specialty fields

Columnist (2010 to present )

Spud Smart Magazine

  • Provide a regular column, World Potato News, on current developments and trends in the global potato industry developments which are of particular importance to individuals involved in the Canadian potato industry

Editor (2008 - 2009)

World Catalogue of Potato Varieties 2009

  • Act as editor for this bi-annual print publication, published in 4 European languages by AgriMedia, Germany and distributed world wide

Vice President (2008 to present)

Tuberosum Technologies Inc

  • Responsibilities relate to potato variety development and organic potato marketing
  • Source new specialty varieties world wide for testing and trialing in Western Canada

Consultant (2008)

International Potato Center (CIP), Lima, Peru

  • Act as consultant to CIP re: publication of the organization’s database of wild potato varieties

Portal Manager (2008 to present)

Global E-Trading BV

  • Act as portal manager to develop and maintain an online trading facility for potatoes as part of a broader trading portal maintained by eFresh.com

Editor and Webmaster (2008 to present)

Global Potato Seed News

  • Maintain this initiative as an online source of weekly updates on current news and developments in the international potato seed industry

Writer (2008 to present)

Fruit and Vegetable Magazine

  • Tasked with writing technical articles related to the Canadian and international potato industry

Reporter (2008 - present)

Spud Cast

  • Conduct monthly interviews with potato industry leaders. Interviews are distributed in audio format to 1,000+ subscribers in North America

Director: Potato Production (2007 - 2008)

The Little Potato Company

  • Tasked with various responsibilities regarding the company’s production of gourmet potatoes in North America
  • Managed a production project for gourmet potato varieties in eastern Canada
  • www.littlepotatoes.com

Committee Member (2007 to present)

UN - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

  • Served as member of the Informal International Steering Committee (IISC) of the UN/FAO which first convened in Rome in 2007 to determine the direction of the International Year of the Potato 2008 and beyond
  • Global Potato News officially declared a key partner in this initiative

Editor (2007)

World Catalogue of Potato Varieties 2007

  • Act as editor for this bi-annual print publication, published in 4 European languages by AgriMedia, Germany and distributed world wide

Manager: Potato Variety Development (2006 - 2008)

The Little Potato Company Inc

  • Tasked to head a variety development program for the company, sourcing potential new varieties in North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Latin America
  • www.littlepotatoes.com

Session Chair (2006)

PotatoEurope 2006 Congress

  • Serve on the Program Committee prior to the Congress, and act as chairperson for the Processing Session during the Congress in Germany

Editorial Advisor and Columnist (2006 to present)

Issues Ink

  • Provide editorial advice as well as a regular column on agronomy matters for the Canadian potato magazine, Spud Smart, distributed to a readership of 4,000+ in North America
  • www.spudsmart.com

Chairperson (2007)

3rd International Potato Storage Convention

  • Assist with program and speaker development for the Convention held in Calgary, Canada

Chairperson (2006)

2nd International Potato Storage Convention

  • Assist with program and speaker development for the Convention and act as chairperson during the event in Warsaw, Poland

Chairperson (2005)

1st International Potato Storage Convention

  • Assist with program and speaker development for the Convention and act as chairperson during the event on PEI, Canada
  • www.potatoconvention.com

Consultancy (2005)

FoodTrust PEI Inc

  • Consultation project related to a global overview of current and potential future innovative potato products in the fresh and processed sectors

Editor (2005- present)

Potato Reporter Online

  • Edit and distribute this monthly newsletter on behalf of the sponsor Europoint BV, based in the Netherlands
  • Newsletter distributed to 3,000+ readers in 80+ countries globally
  • www.potatoreporteronline.com

Editor (2005)

World Catalogue of Potato Varieties 2005

  • Act as editor for this bi-annual print publication, published in 4 languages by AgriMedia, Germany and distributed world wide

Technical Editor (2004 - 2007)

Potato Storage International magazine

  • Act as technical editor of this quarterly print magazine, published by Crier Media Group in the UK, and distributed to 4,000+ industry members in 60+ countries
  • Compiled and edited relevant editorial, consisting of 30+ articles and total word count of 22,000 words per issue

News Editor (2004 - 2005)

Global AgriMedia

  • Act as news editor and North American representative of Global AgriMedia, an initiative of German based Agrimedia GmbH – a service aimed at information needs of agribusiness managers and traders worldwide

Editor and webmaster (2000 - present)

Global Potato News

  • Edit and manage daily news feeds to potato specific web sites in Europe and North America
  • www.potatonews.com

Project Manager (2000)

Syngenta AG

  • Syngenta AG, based in Switzerland with offices world wide, acquires Global Potato News and Potato Research Online
  • Complete a feasibility and implementation study for a more comprehensive Global Potato News web site

Project Manager (1999 - 2000)

World Potato Congress Inc

  • Manage World Potato Congress web site.
  • Edit, publish and distribute WPC newsletters.
  • Promotion of World Potato Congress 2000, hosted in The Netherlands.

Project Manager (1998 - 2001)

Potato Research Online

  • Launch Potato Research Online (PRO), a web based information service for potato researchers world wide, in cooperation with a US based consulting company
  • Manage the web site and members of a group of researchers globally
  • Edit and distribute monthly research related newsletters to members of PRO

Project Manager(1999)

Bradleyco Inc

  • Consultancy project for a private company to study the potential and feasibility of marketing potato mini-tubers in Brazil, and to produce high class potato seed in that country in cooperation with a Brazilian partner

Webmaster and Editor (1998-2000)

World Potato Congress Inc.

  • Maintain and develop the World Potato Congress web site – www.potatocongress.org
  • Act as editor of the organization’s monthly e-newsletter, distributed to recipients world wide

Project Manager (1998 - 1999)

World Potato Congress Inc.

  • Development and management of the World Potato Congress web site and database of global contacts
  • Development of an action plan re: International Study Group Recommendations.

Project Manager (1998)

World Potato Congress Inc.

  • Conducted international survey via fax and the Internet to make recommendations for the future directions of the World Potato Congress Inc.
  • Wrote a series of Recommendations based on the results of the Study.

Editor and Content Manager (1997-present)

Global Potato News

  • Launched and manage the content of Global Potato News, currently the most comprehensive potato related site on the Internet, and provide information services to members of the site (currently 8,000+ members, representing 112 countries globally).
  • Edit, publish and distribute daily news items and monthly newsletters related to potato industry developments in English, German, Dutch, French and Spanish
  • www.potatonews.com

Consultancy (1997)

Potato Information Network

  • Private sector partner in a Department of Agriculture and Forestry Study to determine the feasibility of creating a global information network focused on the Potato and centered on Prince Edward Island, Canada

Consultancy (1997 - 1998)

Potato Biotechnology research

  • Involved in field research conducted by NatureMark (Monsanto) regarding performance trials of genetically modified potato varieties in eastern Canada

Consultancy (1997)

Drip Irrigation Installation, Russia

  • Acted as consultant for an international (Canada, US, Russia) potato seed company regarding a potato project north of Moscow

Consultancy (1997-1998)

Drip Irrigation Research project

  • Acted as consultant regarding a drip irrigation research project on Canadian potato farms

President (1996- present)

Global Potato Focus Inc

  • Launched company as an agricultural consultancy specializing in the potato industry
  • www.potatofocus.com

Shareholder (1997-present)

Web Site Advantage Inc

Shareholder (1996-1999)

Potato Blossom Industries Inc

  • Provide irrigation consultation services for potato production on Prince Edward Island, Canada

1996

Settle in Canada : Prince Edward Island

Owner / Manager (1987 to 1996)

Pieterse Farming

  • Specialized in the cultivation of potatoes, maize and dry beans on 2,400 acre farm in South Africa
  • Cultivated potatoes under drip irrigation to supply 4 processing companies with specialized varieties, including McCain, Frito Lay and Heinz
  • Traveled extensively to North America and Europe; consequently established a personal potato-related network in a number of countries
  • Member of the South African Potato Producers Association

Social Planner (1982-1985)

Office of the Prime Minister, South Africa

  • Involved in macro-level social planning programs

Lecturer: Sociology (1982)

Potchefstroom University, South Africa

  • Lectured on community development, sociological theory, social problems, and urban and rural sociology

Assistant Lecturer and Researcher(1982)

Potchefstroom University, South Africa

  • Lectured at University and conducted a research study into Community Development on location in Taiwan for four months

Education

Masters degree in Sociology with Distinction

1982 Potchefstroom University, South Africa

  • Thesis topic: Community development in urban slums: a sociological perspective
  • Practical part of thesis completed in Taiwan
  • Awarded by the university for academic excellence

Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Sociology with Distinction

1981 Potchefstroom University, South Africa

  • Specialized in community development, social problems, fundamental social theory, and modern approaches to sociological phenomena

Bachelor of Arts

1980 University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Major in Sociology and Psychology

Articles

Examples of articles written for and published in several potato related print magazines in Canada and internationally

  • Common scab: A global disease of potatoes
  • Common scab: The search for solutions
  • “Crystal ball science”-What is in store for your crop?
  • Food safety and the potato industry: Practical guidelines for growers and packers
  • Combating soil-borne diseases: A holistic and sustainable approach
  • Potato revival in the fresh produce section: Latest trends in table potato marketing
  • ‘How to think like consumers - and win!’
  • Powdery scab: A silent killer in disguise
  • Noteworthy new potato technologies
  • The importance of timing when desiccating potato crops
  • ‘The perfect fresh potato’-what do consumers want?
  • Producing mini-tubers from sprouts: A novel method with export potential
  • Irrigation basics: Hands-on moisture monitoring
  • Anti-microbial activity of essential oils against potato pathogens
  • High capacity electronic grading
  • How season and post-harvest storage effect the carotenoid content of Solanum phureja potato tubers
  • Development of PCR assays to detect storage rot potato pathogens
  • Effect of Chlorpropham (CIPC) on dormancy-broken potato tubers
  • The effects of storage temperature on potato seed performance
  • Potato storage in Nepal: Challenges and opportunities
  • A look at the impact of storage and age on potato seed potato performance
  • Sprout control in potato storages: The search for new products
  • Variable Frequency Drives - Towards energy cost savings and efficient storage ventilation
  • Hydraulic force and high pressure key to success of new seed potato disinfection technology
  • Novel technology for precision sorting and grading of potatoes
  • Australian seed potato storage manual
  • Metabolic heat: A tool for quality control and process optimization
  • Storage facilities boost Afghan potato industry
  • Potato storage the Indian way
  • Potato storage without chemical use: Can it be done?
  • Potato specialists uncover a synergistic link carbon dioxide and ethylene affecting fry colour
  • Humidification: Key aspect of potato storage management
  • New Canadian potato varieties showcased
  • Prevention of potato storage diseases : Practical pointers Silver scurf of potatoes: Symptoms, damage, and control

Interviews

Examples of interviews conducted with potato industry specialists:

  • Dr Richard Tarn, Potato Research Center, Fredericton, Canada
  • Dr Nora Olsen, Twin Falls R&E Center, University of Idaho
  • Prof Joe Guenthner, Dept of Ag Economics, University of Idaho
  • Dr Hubert Zandstra, Director Genl, Intl Potato Center, Lima, Peru
  • Victor Henriques, Semillas Llanquihue, Chile
  • Alan Perry, Farm Technologies Network, USA
  • Dr Bud Platt, Potato Research Center Charlottetown, Canada
  • Romain Cools, Europatat, Belgium
  • Dr Eugenia Banks, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Canada
  • Mark Prentice, British Potato Council, UK
  • Todd Forbush, Techmark Inc, USA
  • Gary Sloik, Potato Growers of Canada
  • Prof Peter Stougaard, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Dr Helen Tai, BioPotato Network, Canada
  • Ineke Mastenbroek, Agrico, The Netherlands
  • Jo Brennan, Potatoes New Brunswick, Canada
  • Nasim Raza, The Burewala Farm, Pakistan
  • Dr George Lazarovitz, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ontario, Canada
  • Philippe Parent, Dolbec Potatoes, Quebec, Canada
  • Dr Peter Schmiediche, CIP Representative for East Asia, Germany
  • Dr Rick Peters, Potato Research Center, Charlottetown, Canada
  • Markus Gripp, Maori Potatoes, New Zealand
  • Dr Loretta Mikitzel, New Brunswick Dept of Ag, Canada
  • Sean Ranger, Biodiversity Trust, South Africa
  • Greg Donald, Prince Edward Island Potato Board, Canada
  • Dr Bhim B Khatri, Potato Research Program, Nepal
  • Edzo Kok, Potato Growers of Alberta, Canada
  • Anthony Totta, Fresh eXperts, USA
  • Dr John Bradshaw, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Scotland
  • David Brenchley, Crier Media Group, UK
  • Prof Richard Falloon, Institute for Plant & Food Research, New Zealand
  • Dr Hanne Vang Hendriksen, Novozymes, Denmark
  • Alex Mathias, Standen Engineering, UK
  • Andy Hubble, Herbert Engineering, UK

Others

  • Number of international potato related news articles sourced and published online: 15,000+
  • Number of e-newsletters sent to international database of recipients: 1 million+
  • Number of industry contacts in 126 potato producing countries: 10,000+

Contact Me

6 West Str,
Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island,
Canada C1A 3S4

Tel: +1 902 368 1235 (office)
+1 902 393 5031 (cell)
info@potatofocus.com
lukie@pair.com








Powered By kaazunut