An innovative machinist and a former manager of the New Brunswick Potato Shippers Association (NBPSA) will be the latest inductees in the New Brunswick Potato Museum Hall of Recognition in September.
The 2026 Hall of Fame recipients will be Terry Smith (posthumously) of Florenceville-Bristol and Gerald Gagnon of Grand Falls. The awards acknowledge individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to the potato industry in New Brunswick.
Terry Smith, who died in 2024, is being recognized for his work as part-time manager of the NBPSA, where he developed the working knowledge and industry expertise that would shape more than 30 years of service to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
“He played a key role in developing the Canadian Partners in Quality (C-PIQ) Program, a voluntary integrated inspection system designed for Canadian food exporters, particularly potato packing facilities,” a Potato World news release said.
“Today, C-PIQ is recognized as an innovative and efficient program that supports the potato industry by helping producers and exporters market potatoes in a consistent, cost-effective way.”
Gerald Gagnon, founder of Gagnon Ornamental Works, began building and fabricating custom potato equipment for local farmers in the 1970s.
“His first major innovation was the development of a cultivator spade, reflecting his practical approach to solving challenges faced by potato growers,” the release said.
“He continues to fabricate, design, and develop equipment for farmers, working closely with them to understand their needs and identify new equipment solutions for the future.”
The Grand Falls entrepreneur has mentored many young people in welding and machining, encouraging apprentices to build careers in those trades.
Eligible Hall of Fame recipients were involved in New Brunswick farming and/or farm organizations, business agrology, or science, and have made a significant contribution towards the improvement of the potato industry. The 2025 Hall of Recognition Dinner and Gala will be held on Sept. 12 at the New Brunswick Potato Museum in Florenceville-Bristol.
For tickets ($60/person) and further information, contact Tammy Kirkland at Potato World, 506-392-7902 or by email at tours@potatoworld.ca.
