The humble spud is on a roll. After years of languishing behind the greens on the back of the dinner plate, it shouldered its way into the candlelight last year when the United Nations designated 2008 the year of the potato. Now, just a few months into 2009, in the wake of Christchurch's hosting of the World Potato Congress, its menu-grabbing glory has never been brighter.
For Manawatu potato grower Terry Olsen, chairman of the congress organising committee, it is an opportunity not to be missed.
"It is a real shot in the arm for marketing and promotion. It couldn't be better,"he says.
Terry Olsen on the World potato congress: Despite the short preparation time (NZ took over from France, who originally were scheduled to organize the congress) and the recession, the World Potato Congress was successful, with 600 people attending the dinner. Sponsorship met its budget and, with all the accounting still to be completed, the organising committee expects to break even.
Mr Olsen heard nothing but praise from the 540 delegates, many saying they enjoyed the range of speakers, the debate and the opportunity to network. Several described it as the best congress yet.
"The resounding theme was the vital role the potato can play in feeding the world's millions,"he says.
Now Mr Olsen is back at the farm taking a breather. "I'm quite pleased to be back in the world,"he says. But not for long. He wants the industry to seize the opportunity the enthusiasm generated by the congress has presented.
