Inspired.
And with gratitude.
That’s how I’m leaving the 2024 Alberta Potato Conference after almost three days of meaningful conversations, insightful presentations, and some of the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever eaten. Seriously.
I’m rarely at a loss for words, but it’s difficult to describe the atmosphere at this year’s conference without pulling out my thesaurus. Vibrant. Energized. Optimistic.
There’s certainly a lot for the industry to celebrate. Last year the province’s 155 growers set the record for the most acres planted in the history of the organization. With a whopping 80K of planted acres, Alberta produced 1.5 million tons of product and contributed an impressive $2.3 billion to the provincial economy.
Coupled with a significant investment from the processing sector, and an influx of new, young growers, Alberta is proving itself an exciting place to be in the potato industry.
That leadership and optimism was on full display at the conference. From the impeccable planning of the sold-out event — 74 booths, with 10 on the waiting list, and more than 500 attendees — through to the timely, relevant, and important presentations on the agenda.
The conference kicked off with an inspiring keynote speech by renowned sports announcer and mental health advocate Brett Gardiner. Through personal anecdotes and genuine concern, Gardiner shared the importance of talking about mental health in an industry still mired in stigma. As he notes, a few years ago, this isn’t a topic that would have headlined an industry event — progress is being made. But there is still work to be done. (We caught up with him after his presentation to chat five key questions for ag. Check that conversation out here).
Conference goers also heard from a panel of experts on storage — an issue not often enough on the agendas at potato conferences. (We’ve got a summary of that panel discussion here). And, we also heard insights into the global potato market, seed piece decay mitigation strategies, PVY, land stewardship, water usage and more. We’ll be bringing you recaps of many of those presentations soon.
While each presentation provided fresh insight into the issues affecting growers, for me, it was the conversations inbetween that delivered the most important message of the conference: The Alberta potato industry is buzzing with youth, energy, and vibrancy.
I had the pleasure of talking to many young growers excited to enter the industry because they see the potential. They’re looking for a challenge, an opportunity to grow their family business, the chance to be part of something big. And no doubt about it, the Alberta potato industry is a BIG deal.
Spud Smart is thrilled to be a part of it.
I’m grateful to everyone who made my first potato conference in my new role as Editor of Spud Smart such a memorable and inspiring experience. If we didn’t have a chance to meet, I hope we do — but until then, my inbox is always open.
Special thanks to the Potato Growers of Alberta for the warm welcome, the kind introductions, and for putting on such a spectacular event. I’m already looking forward to 2025.
Yours,
Dawn Ius,
Editor, Spud Smart
