Looking back at the two days of sessions and events of World Potato Congress 2024 in Adelaide.

What a day it was on Monday, June 24! The Adelaide Convention Centre was packed with over 900 delegates, all excited to hear from leaders and innovators of the global potato industry. The day was brimming with insightful presentations, enlightening discussions and plenty of networking opportunities.

Cedric Porter, Editor of World Potato Markets, gave an informative presentation on global trade issues and opportunities.

Blair Richardson, CEO and President of Potatoes USA, delivered a lively insight into marketing potatoes to the next generation.

The enthusiasm continued on Tuesday June 25! Delegates gathered to explore the latest advancements in potato research and industry trends. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and collaboration. Speakers covered topics such as Food Waste, Storage Technology and IPM. 

Delegates actively participated with engaging panel discussions and Q&A time with all of the presenters. An incredible opportunity for global interactions contributed to shaping the future of the potato industry.

The Global Potato Panel and discussion with (LR) Simon Heck (CIP), Brett Fifield, (CEO, Hort Innovation), Blair Richardson (CEO, Potatoes USA), Hannah Brown (Executive Director, SARDI), Sonia Waterson (EO, Potatoes Australia), Kate Trufitt (CEO, Potatoes New Zealand), Willie Jacobs (CEO, Potatoes South Africa) and Peter VanderZaag (President, WPC)

To delve into the inspiring stories of the Global Potato Industry Award Winners announced at the Gala dinner The first ever Potatoes Australia award; The Ross Trimboli Award for Industry Leadership & Advocacy was also presented at the Gala dinner by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development to Dr. Nigel Crump. 

Named in honour and memory of South Australian industry stalwart Mr Ross Trimboli. With his parents and brothers, Ross commenced farming on the Northern Adelaide Plains in the early 1950s. The award recipient, Dr Nigel Crump is equally as staunch an advocate of the Potato Industry in Australia and internationally.

A sold out Gala Dinner needs a Gala dinner highlight reel! Thank you to all who supported this event and World Potato Congress does hope all who attended enjoyed the Post Congress and Partner Program tours. WPC looks forward to seeing you again in Gdansk, Poland in 2026!

2024 WPC Board of Directors attending the Australia Congress. Back left to right: Director Brian Douglas, President Dr. Peter VanderZaag, Board Secretary, Dr. Nigel Crump, Director Bret Nedrow, Front left to right: Executive Director Ellen Kouwenberg, Vice President Nora Olsen, Director Jang Bahadur Singh Sangha, Treasurer Greg Donald, Director Jaap Delleman. Missing from Photo, Directors Blair Richardson and Dr. André Devaux