Next month over 200 potato growers, packers, processors, retailers, researchers, specialists, consultants, and international visitors are expected to attend the Storage 2020 International Conference at Peterborough Arena, Peterborough, United Kingdom
Sponsored by Certis and supported by Omnivent, Storage 2020 takes place 13 February and has a unique agenda focused on the future of 365 days a year potato supply.
The conference, hosted by Potato Council, features horizon scanning plenary sessions which will consider the role storage will play in the future production of potatoes and other agricultural crops.
Online registration is now live at www.potato.org.uk/storage2020
“Storage 2020 has a bespoke line-up of international experts and practically-focused workshops, carefully chosen to add value to your business,” says Adrian Cunnington, head of Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research. “The comprehensive programme is packed with relevant topics specifically tailored to prepare for the future and to provide ideas and solutions to benefit your bottom line.”
Romke Wustman, Wageningen UR
Renowned Dutch speaker, Romke Wustman of Wageningen UR – PPO, Lelystad in the Netherlands will deliver the opening paper on why we need to store. Romke will outline where the global demand for food will be over the decades ahead, how this demand will be met and the role storage will play.
His address will discuss population growth and explore examples of systems being adopted in different continents to meet rising food demand.
Romke will provide expert opinion on the likely impact in Europe, the effect of competition and whether we will we need to grow more and have increased storage capacity to allow us to provide year round supply from our own crops, rather than supplementing with imported crop.
Tesco senior buying manager, Andy Blackett’s paper will discuss what the market will want in 2020. With global challenges facing the food industry mounting as we face an unpredictable climate and a rising population, Andy will discuss how retailer and consumer demands will evolve and impact agricultural businesses.
Todd Forbush, Techmark Inc.
International storage guru and globetrotter Todd Forbush from Techmark Inc. of Michigan, USA provides advanced technology solutions to progressive potato, fruit and vegetable producers and companies across the world.
Todd’s specialist knowledge takes him to both developing and developed nations which includes advising in extreme environments, including a current potato storage project in Alaska. Todd will provide expert opinion and insight into technical developments in storage expected on a global basis by 2020.
With 28 years’ experience in potato production for the fresh retail market, Greenvale’s technical director Paul Coleman will discuss how we store potatoes more cost-effectively, especially against a background of ever-increasing energy costs and how new technologies can be put to best effect.
“Storage 2020 has been put together to reflect the future of year-round potato supply and the core topics that will affecting the industry,” says event sponsor Morley Benson, of Certis UK. “This unmissable conference is an excellent opportunity to understand how GB, as part of the global potato industry, will achieve greater sustainability and profitability over the next six years.”
The conference costs Potato Council levy-payers £30 +VAT, and other delegates £75 +VAT. To view full programme and to register for your Storage2020 tickets go to: www.potato.org.uk/storage2020
