NewsIndustry EventsBuilding Global Partnerships Down Under at the World Potato Congress 2024

Building Global Partnerships Down Under at the World Potato Congress 2024

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The World Potato Congress (WPC) 2024, set to take place in Adelaide, Australia and says away, is not just another conference — it’s a pivotal moment for the global potato industry. As we gather to celebrate the versatility and importance of the potato, and the first International Day of the Potato, the WPC is also committed to delivering actionable outcomes on the goals set forth by the “Declaration of Dublin: Fostering Potato Partnerships for Food Security,” adopted by the World Potato Congress Inc.

A cornerstone of the WPC2024 congress is the introduction of a sponsorship program aimed at supporting delegates from developing nations. By sponsoring their attendance, companies, organizations, and individuals can play a vital role in building partnerships.  Under the umbrella of the Declaration of Dublin, and thanks to the generosity of the WPC Platinum Partners, WPC Inc. and Potatoes Australia Ltd., approximately 20 delegates will have the opportunity to receive financial support to attend the Australia Congress this coming June.

WPC Platinum Partner Contributions

Each year, a portion of the WPC Platinum Sustaining Partner Membership fees are earmarked to support this initiative of providing financial support to delegates. Of the 20 successful applicants, 10 will be supported as a result of the generous donations by our Platinum Partners including Earth Fresh, McCain Foods, J.R. Simplot, IPM Potato Group, TriCal Group, Snow Valley, Syngenta, WD Potato Ltd., the Prince Edward Island Potato Board, and Netafim.

Over 60 applications were received by delegates looking for financial support to attend the Australia Congress from countries primarily from Asia, Africa, and South America. Of the 20 delegates selected, up to $1000 in airfare, free registration and hotel accommodation will all be provided to support these delegates.

Stories of the delegates who were sponsored by an Irish Aid initiative to attend the 2022 Congress in Dublin can be found on the WPC website under “Around the Globe”.

“We believe that by supporting delegates from developing nations, we can create a more inclusive and equitable platform for collaboration. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this endeavour and help make the World Potato Congress 2024 a truly transformative experience for all,” says Chad Hutchinson, WPC Platinum Partner and Global Director of Potato Research and Market Support with TriCal Group.

An example of delegate support to attend in 2022 was Anna Odubi, Chairperson of Zombo District Farmers Association (ZODFA) and the Ojebu Women’s Group in the West Nile subregion of Uganda.  Here, potatoes are grown by small scale farmers who are often deprived of quality seed, lucrative markets, and storage facilities.  At the Dublin Congress, Anna had the opportunity to meet with potato farmers and processors from Belgium and the knowledge gained inspired her to develop potatoes as a real agri-business with her fellow farmers.  Following the Congress and together, with the staff of ZODFA, they designed a fertilization and pest and disease management program aimed at reducing incidences of crop failure. “Attending the Congress gave me the opportunity to talk with others about the challenges in this region,” says Odubi.

Dr. Nigel Crump, acting chair of Potatoes Australia and Congress host also shares significance of the congress: “This event is more than just a gathering — it’s a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change in the potato industry. We invite participants from around the world to join us in Adelaide for meaningful discussions, innovative solutions, and contributions towards our shared goals. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and technical sessions covering various aspects of potato cultivation, processing, marketing, and sustainability.”

The program for the Congress can be viewed here. Delegates will get a chance to see the local produce market in Adelaide and visit seed and table/packing houses. Outside of the programming, delegates will have the opportunity to experience the local hospitality, wildlife, beautiful beaches and wineries of the south Australia.

Let’s continue to build global partnerships, drive positive change, and make the World Potato Congress 2024 a transformative experience for all involved.

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