World Potato Congress opens in Christchurch, New Zealand

The chair of the World Potato Congress, being held in New Zealand, says producers will need to be ready to meet increased international demand and New Zealand in particular has room to do so.

The seventh congress opened in Chirstchurch on Monday - the first time the event has been held in New Zealand.

Canadian potato grower Allan Parker, who is chairing the congress, is growing potatoes in Russia because of the opportunities there to expand production.

He says New Zealand also has good opportunities to increase potato exports. The world's biggest producer of potatoes is China.

The last congress was held in Idaho in the United States and this is the first time the event has come to New Zealand.