Support Available to visit 10th World Potato Congress for delegates of developing countries

Delegates to the 10th World Potato Congress from developing and transitional countries may qualify for financial support from World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC Inc.).

David Thompson, President of WPC Inc. said today he is extremely pleased to announce WPC Inc. has agreed to subsidize up to four (4) delegates to the next World Potato Congress to be held in Cusco, Peru from May 27 to 30, 2018.

WPC Inc. will provide $1,000 CAD to subsidize each qualifying delegate to Cusco. The funds may be used to cover the cost of everything from visa applications, flights, registration, accommodation or incidentals.

According to Mr. Thompson, the goal of WPC Inc. is to “provide opportunities for individuals from developing and transitional economies to benefit from attendance at the Congress. Experience has demonstrated that participants in the program are able to positively impact the potato industry in their respective regions.”

Participants are encouraged to build a network of resource people to whom they can turn to for advice and direction. “it’s a win-win scenario for all involved,” said Mr. Thompson.

To qualify for consideration, potential delegates must demonstrate the following information and submit via email to WPC Inc. :

• A minimum of five years of experience in the potato industry (including education and research)
• Capacity to influence change in their locate community/region
• Evidence of strong connections locally or regionally
• A state plan to maximize the benefits of attending the Congress
• A commitment to a communication plan to share their Congress experience in their region/community
• Evidence that without financial assistance they could not attend the 10th World Potato Congress in Cusco, Peru.

Recipients of assistance for the Congresses held in China in 2004, Christchurch, New Zealand, Edinburgh, Scotland in 2009 and China in 2015 are not eligible to apply.

Successful applicants will receive funding upon registration at the 10th World Potato Congress.

WPC Inc. is calling for applications immediately.

Interested individuals are requested to visit the WPC Inc. website www.potatocongress.org and follow the link to Delegate Support for further information and to determine if they qualify.

Email info@potatocongress.org to request an application.