Honorary Life Member Award

About the Award

The Honorary Life Member Award recognizes remarkable individuals whose contributions have helped shape the potato industry and/or to The Potato Association of America (PAA). The newly inducted Honorary Life Members (HLM) are recognized and celebrated for their outstanding achievements during the award ceremony at the annual meeting of the Association.

Honor Bestowed

Up to 6 Honorary Life Members (HLM) may be inducted annually.
Honorary Life Member status allows for gratis PAA membership for life.
Award recipients received a suitably engraved plaque and recognition during the award ceremony taking place at the PAA Annual Meeting.

Eligibility

Nominees should have made significant and meaningful contributions to the potato industry and/or to PAA. This may include achievements in research, extension, education, production, processing, marketing, utilization, or other areas that advance the potato industry and support the Association's mission.
Membership in PAA is not required for nominees.
Nominators must hold active PAA membership and are asked to refrain from notifying nominees until the Honorary Life Member Award Subcommittee concludes its review.

Nomination Package Requirements

In addition to completing the online nomination form, the following items are required to be uploaded as pdf files. Nominations for the 2027 awards will open mid-January.

Nomination Letter (4 Pages Maximum)
- Primary nominator to submit a Nomination Letter describing the nominee’s career highlights, including significant contributions to the potato industry and/or the PAA through activities related to research, extension, education, production, processing, marketing, utilization, or any other appropriate facet of the potato industry.
Letters of Support (maximum 4 supporting letters from current PAA Members)