John began working in 1965 with his father, Darol Forsythe, the founder and previous owner of Industrial Ventilation, Inc. John’s job responsibilities began with sweeping floors and receiving freight. He progressed to servicing ventilation and refrigeration equipment. Later he moved into sales and finally became President. John and his father later sold their interests in IVI and began pursuing another passion - sprout control for potatoes.
John was involved in the design and manufacture of many of the early thermal fogging machines used today for both CIPC and 1,4SIGHT®. In the mid-1990’s, he spearheaded the first registration of 1,4SIGHT® (1,4-DMN), working with the US EPA BPPD. He became one of the pioneers of 1,4SIGHT® commercial application as the product was brought to market. He later added Canadian, New Zealand and European registrations. Today 1,4SIGHT® is the clear product of choice in Europe for potato sprout control.
John is a potato storage expert with a firm understanding of ventilation and refrigeration as well as storage treatments. He has visited storages in Russia, Ukraine, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and throughout North and Central America. Nothing surprises him, as there are so many ways to store potatoes. Solving a storage problem and finding ways to improve the existing systems with appropriate technology gives him great pleasure.
John’s other passion is flying. In his younger days he spent five years with Mission Aviation Fellowship as a pilot/mechanic. He flew Cessna 185’s, both on wheels and floats, in the remote jungles of Irian Jaya (now Papua), Indonesia. He has an AA in Aerospace Technologies from Portland Community College with an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic’s Certification. He also has Multi-engine Airline Transport Pilot and Instrument Flight ratings.
John’s overarching passion today is helping to feed the world by providing Safe, Affordable and Abundant food. He works to accomplish these goals by reducing post-harvest waste through the application of science and technologies.