JOHANNESBURG — Ben Sklarczyk of Johannesburg, Mich., has been named the National Potato Council president for 2026. Sklarczyk, a third-generation grower, is the second member of his family to lead the national organization.
Sklarczyk co-owns and operates Sklarczyk Seed Farm with his wife, Alison Sklarczyk. He follows his father, Don Sklarczyk, who served as president of the National Potato Council in 2007.
Sklarczyk assumed full ownership of Sklarczyk Seed Farm, a hydroponic seed potato operation, 10 years ago. Although he grew up working on the farm, he initially studied mechanical engineering at Western Michigan University. He later transferred to Michigan State University, where he graduated in December 2003 with a degree focused on agriculture.
Sklarczyk has been involved with the National Potato Council since the early 2000s and joined the NPC board of directors in 2010. Before his election as president, he served nearly a decade on the executive committee. His previous leadership roles included first vice president and vice president of finance, environmental affairs and grower outreach and industry research.
During his term, Sklarczyk said he will focus on specific legislative and trade objectives. “Our 2026 agenda will focus on capitalizing on new federal dietary guidelines to promote potatoes as a staple of good health, ensuring fair trade practices for U.S. potatoes globally and removing non-tariff trade barriers,” Sklarczyk said.
Sklarczyk also noted the importance of direct communication between farmers and government officials. “I also want to emphasize the importance of grower engagement with state and federal representatives to ensure the industry’s voice is heard in policy-making,” Sklarczyk said.
The Sklarczyk family resides in Michigan with their two children, Morgan and Dane. Sklarczyk also holds a leadership position in the industry, currently serving on the Potatoes USA board of directors.