Prof Ian Toth appointed as new President of the EAPR: A visionary leader for Europe’s potato research community

Prof Ian Toth, a distinguished figure in the potato research community, has been appointed as the new President of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR).

With his extensive background and dedication to advancing the industry, Prof Toth’s leadership promises to bring innovative changes and foster collaboration within the potato research community. In an exclusive interview with Potato News Today, Prof Toth shared his excitement and vision for his future role. 

A New Chapter for EAPR Taking on his new role, Prof Toth expressed his excitement.

Prof Ian Toth:

"This is a very exciting role for me. The EAPR is a perfect mix of researchers, extension specialists, and industry working together across Europe and globally. One thing that has always stood out for me is how open, willing, and friendly people are together, as well as the excellent work they are doing. To head the Association for three years with such a great bunch of people is a real privilege for me."

Goals and Objectives

Prof Toth outlined his primary objectives for his presidency, emphasizing the importance of fostering early interactions between young scientists and the industry.

Prof Ian Toth:

"I think the primary objectives over the next three years will be to see how the EAPR can find ways to help young scientists foster early interactions with industry to ensure the great science that they do is optimal for helping industry."

"We also want to look at ways to bring more overseas people to the EAPR Triennial conferences through sponsorship, especially where such interactions will help production back home through the learning and implementation of new skills, and meeting European scientists will foster long-term collaborations and joint funding."

Leveraging Expertise and Experience

As the Director of the National Potato Innovation Centre at The James Hutton Institute and a member of the International Potato Partnership, Prof Toth is well-positioned to foster collaborative working across a wide group of people.

Prof Ian Toth:

"Working with EAPR provides an opportunity to work with a wide European network of potato specialists."

Addressing Industry Challenges

Prof Toth acknowledged the current challenges facing the potato industry, including the reduction in plant protection products, climate impacts, and rising costs.

Prof Ian Toth:

"This must be one of the toughest times for the potato industry with the reduction in plant protection products, climate impacts and huge cost rises. We’re fortunate that potato already fits well within the sustainability agenda, but we can always do more and that will continue to be a big driver."

"Hopefully, prices will come down but climate issues and the need to control weeds, pests and diseases are going to continue to be a major challenge."

Innovative Technologies

The integration of innovative technologies is transforming the agricultural landscape, and Prof Toth sees great potential in these advancements.

Prof Ian Toth:

"The innovative nature of people never ceases to amaze me and things on that front are advancing at pace and at many different scales from DNA sequencing to the use of satellites. Innovation is what has driven the industry for many years but with major advances in recent years, novel technologies will have a major impact going forward."

"For example, novel breeding technologies combined with advances in gene discovery, will provide new and much needed potato varieties that can defend against pests and diseases, drought and heat stress, while also providing the traits that we rely on to make a good food crop.AI will have a big role in the future, and it’s exciting to think that we are only at the start of this adventure."

Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability is a major focus for Prof Toth’s presidency. He highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in potato production.

Prof Ian Toth:

"Sustainability touches every aspect of our lives and potato production is no exception. Potato already meets many of the requirements for sustainability, for example using significantly less water than cereals, but there is always more to be done and we hope and expect that science can help with this, not least through the use of better varieties, more targeted use of chemicals and the development of non-chemical protection methods, improved support for our soils and the carbon they contain, and a further reduction in the amount of water required to grow the crop."

Influence of The James Hutton Institute

Prof Toth’s extensive background with The James Hutton Institute will significantly influence his approach and initiatives within the EAPR. He aims to develop the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) to bring together scientists and industry from across the globe.

Prof Ian Toth:

"The James Hutton Institute in Scotland is a leading global hub for crop research, including potato, and we hope the NIPC will act as a catalyst in bringing together scientists and industry to development and use innovative technologies that support the industry, while protecting and enhancing the world we live in."

"Within EAPR we already have some of the world’s leading potato scientists, which will help to foster these links and especially to help develop younger scientists and those in countries, both within and outside Europe, who would benefit with the extra help. The answer is rarely if ever to work alone!"

Fostering Collaboration

Collaboration is key to successful research, and Prof Toth is committed to fostering greater collaboration within the European and global potato research community.

Prof Ian Toth:

"My journey in science began as a PhD student in the lab doing the research I thought the industry wanted, only to learn later that I could have saved valuable time by listening to industry earlier. I’d like to instil this idea of early engagement throughout the EAPR network and show younger scientists that engagement with industry is a positive and worthwhile experience."

"Everyone working on potato, be it science or industry, knows and works with others around the globe. Harnessing the power of these interactions to jointly help to solve common problems is key to moving innovation more rapidly into production."

"EAPR working with CIP, the International Potato Partnership (IPP) and others globally will help to speed up these interactions and hopefully lead to global teams working together to solve some of the big challenges there are in the industry."

Exciting Projects and Initiatives

Looking ahead, Prof Toth is particularly enthusiastic about techniques to map pest and pathogen resistance genes in both existing and new varieties.

Prof Ian Toth:

"One of the most exciting initiatives for me at present is the ability to map pest and pathogen resistance genes in both existing and new varieties. Using a technique called RenSeq (Resistance gene enrichment sequencing) this mapping enables the user to identify which resistance genes are present in a variety, how often they have been used (possibly overused), how many genes and copies of genes there are within the variety, and which are the best gene targets for developing new varieties."

"One can envisage in the future being able to select and grow different varieties depending on the pest/pathogen threat out there, such that a particular variety can be selected in any given year and geographical location that works best against the strain of pathogen currently or likely to be in that area at any given time."

"Combined with knowledge of the global movement of pathogen genotypes, for example EuroBlight, and how these genotypes respond to different resistances through knowledge of effector biology, this would revolutionize production, reduce losses, help with sustainability and ensure a vibrant and profitable industry into the future."

"Having said all this, the most exciting project for me will be the chance to showcase Scotland to delegates attending the EAPR Triennial Conference in Edinburgh in June 2027. Preparing for the conference will take some time and effort but we hope it will be a special occasion for all who attend."

Message to the Community

As he begins his tenure, Prof Toth conveyed a message of unity and optimism to his colleagues and the broader potato research community.

Prof Ian Toth:

"Make research fun and worthwhile by working with others around the world to solve problems together, knowing that your research is making a difference and that by working with others, it might make an even bigger difference."