INTERPOM 2024: Energy boost for a potato sector in accelerated transition

INTERPOM is the most specialized indoor trade fair in Europe for the entire potato chain. From November 24 to 26, 2024, 330 exhibitors from 15 countries will welcome growers, contractors, processors, packers, buyers, and traders of fresh and processed potatoes to their stands at Kortrijk Xpo.

The fair is at maximum capacity and serves as the premier platform to follow the latest market developments, price trends, and innovations in the sector. The upcoming edition focuses on a potato sector in accelerated transition and expects 20,000 visitors from 50 countries, all looking forward to the preparations for the upcoming season.

Potato sector in accelerated transition

INTERPOM 2024 will take over the entire complex of Kortrijk Xpo, with all stands—50% of which are foreign companies—fully booked in the 7 exhibition halls. The offering encompasses the entire potato chain: seed potatoes, potato harvesters, spraying machines, storage systems, potato processing machines, packaging systems, fresh and processed potatoes...

There is a strong desire in the sector to meet and discuss the current season's progress while preparing for the upcoming one. With the theme "Energizing a potato industry in transition," INTERPOM aims to highlight the incredible energy present in the potato sector to think ahead.

Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of Belgapom:

"In the lead-up to INTERPOM, you keep hearing the same remark: we will know what to talk about at the fair! That’s why I thought it would be helpful to provide visitors and exhibitors with a list of topics: the wet spring and late harvesting, issues with cut seed potatoes, disease pressure, the evolution of potato prices, MAP7, the growth of industrial capacity, business movements in the sector, the water issue, the disappearance of crop protection products, and of course: the weather in general."

"But I would also like to make a suggestion. INTERPOM represents the entire sector. Let’s use those three days to engage in conversation and see where we can strengthen each other. The sustainable transition is gaining momentum. From grower to retailer, everyone needs to get on board."

"At Belgapom, we are working hard, but the real work must happen on the ground. We want to secure the crown jewel of the Belgian agro-industry for the (distant) future. So, let’s talk about that. And definitely come to our renewed seminar program. I promise it will be bursting with inspiration!"

New: Keynotes & panel discussions

Belgapom, the professional association for the Belgian potato trade and processing, has put together a program featuring an inspiring keynote each morning, followed by an engaging panel discussion in the afternoon.

Over the three days of the fair, the themes of industry, agriculture, and water will be addressed. Belgapom will present a brief update on each theme before engaging in debate with subject matter experts. Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of Belgapom, will moderate the sessions.

On the Agenda: Sunday, November 24 - Industry: Transition in Acceleration

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Keynote: "The Potato Has a Future: What Scenarios Are Emerging for Potato Cultivation?" Jan de Keyser,Agricultural Director of BNP Paribas Fortis 

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Panel Discussion: Jan de Keyser (BNP Paribas), Prof. Dr. Ir. Imca Sampers (Professor at UGent), Marc Van Herreweghe (Clarebout), Hans Muyshondt (Pomuni), and Bart Buysse (Fevia). 

Monday, November 25 - Agriculture: How to Integrate Technologies?

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Keynote: "Integration of New Technologies Will Make Potato Cultivation More Sustainable" Dr. Ir. Geert Haesaert, Professor Emeritus at UGent (University of Ghent) 

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Panel Discussion: Dr. Ir. Geert Haesaert (UGent), Bram Van Hecke (Ministry of Agriculture, CD&V), Tom Destoop (Farmers' Union), Bart Nemegheer (Aardappelhoeve), and Jonathan Van Beek / David Nuyttens (ILVO).

Tuesday, November 26 - Water: Source of New Solutions 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Keynote: "The Next Big Thing... A Lot of Small Things? Dealing with Water Challenges in Agriculture" Prof. Dr. Ir. Sarah Garré, Senior Researcher at ILVO and Guest Lecturer 

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Panel Discussion: Sarah Garré (ILVO), Ine Soenen (Province of West Flanders), Charlotte Boeckaert (VLAKWA), Klaas Malisse (Waterl’eau), and Wim Quaegebeur (Aviko).

Challenges in the potato sector stimulate innovations

The potato sector is currently facing significant challenges as a result of climate change, stricter regulations, increasing disease pressure, fluctuating energy costs and the increasingly urgent need to make operations more sustainable. The rapid changes in the sector demand flexible adaptations, utilizing new technologies and targeted investments.

An independent group of experts has curated a selection of "must-see" innovations from exhibitors at INTERPOM just for you. These innovations will be announced in mid-November on the INTERPOM website and will be highlighted on the exhibition floor through the INNOVATION TOUR.

Get your ticket online here

To purchase their entrance ticket, trade visitors must first pre-register online via the trade fair's website. Those with a free invite or a discount code must also pre-register using the code mentioned on the invite. Visitors will only receive their entrance badges after registration (and payment if applicable).