The World Potato Congress (WPC) 2024 in Adelaide, Australia provided an opportunity for discussions centered on the theme of partnerships and collaborations aimed at driving sustainable growth in the global potato industry.
WPC President Peter VanderZaag spoke to the WPC mission of “creating networks to help drive the sustainable growth of the potato,” and highlighted how the power of partnerships can transform the sector, particularly through open sharing of ideas and collective problem-solving.
International Collaboration and Networking
The International Marketing Group, which gathered to report on their efforts and explore new avenues for collaboration, was represented by 11 organizations from various global locations. This group brought together diverse perspectives and expertise to discuss common challenges, opportunities in potato marketing and research into consumer trends. One of the key presentations was from Blair Richardson, CEO of Potatoes USA. Richardson shared that Gen Z consumers like the versatility and authenticity of the potato, however, there can be the perception that potatoes are not a healthy choice and are high in carbohydrates and calories. Using this knowledge, Potatoes USA is focusing on marketing messages that show potatoes getting off their couches and fueling an active lifestyle under the slogan: Potatoes. Real Food. Real Performance. This campaign is being shared in the global potato community.
The WPC’s adoption of the “Declaration of Dublin: Fostering Potato Partnerships for Food Security” recognizes the role partnerships play in tackling issues related to poverty and food insecurity. Similarly, the African Potato Coalition (APA) led by Derek Roulston, works to focus on regional potato development. The APA supports local potato councils such as IPRaDA in Ethiopia and NCPK in Kenya, aiming to promote quality seed and improve farming practices through collaborative interventions. Initially targeting seven countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, the APA plans to expand its reach further. The primary objectives of the APA include: 1) facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity building; 2) promoting best practices in potato cultivation, processing, and marketing; 3) supporting research and development to enhance resilience to climate change and pest challenges; 4) strengthening policy advocacy and institutional frameworks related to the potato sector; 5) creating opportunities for networking and collaboration among stakeholders.
The Adelaide Congress was an opportunity for the International Potato Research Collaborative Framework to officially launch their initiative. Also known as the International Potato Partnership (IPP), this discussion was led by Ian Kirkwood of New Zealand with input from Dr. Nigel Crump of Australia. Potato research institutes from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and the UK have joined forces under the IPP initiative.
The IPP’s strategic framework is designed to enhance global potato research through several key initiatives including but not limited to the compilation of national research priorities, evaluating and comparing research findings from different countries, initiating transnational research projects: that address global issues in potato production and establishment of a Global Potato Biosecurity Network: This network will focus on exchanging information about biosecurity threats, such as emerging pests and diseases. It will support the development of contingency plans and collaborative strategies for managing biosecurity risks across participating countries. This partnership is in its early stages of development but has had very productive meetings as it moves forward in its vision.
The World Potato Congress 2024 has reinforced the importance of partnerships and collaborative efforts in advancing the potato sector. While the development of these initiatives will take time, the congress has set a much clearer path forward. By leveraging the collective expertise of international partners and fostering a collaborative spirit, the global potato industry is well-positioned to tackle current and future challenges, ultimately contributing to collaboration in promotion, marketing and research.
