World Potato Congress 2024 Unveils New Sponsors and Speakers!

The countdown to the World Potato Congress 2024 has begun, and the excitement is building. The team is working hard behind the scenes to ensure the 2024 Congress is one to remember, with a number of exciting announcements. Firstly, a new sponsor who has joined to World Potato Congress and a spotlight on some of the fabulous speakers who you can look forward to seeing when you’re in Adelaide.

Have you registered? If not, it’s time to explore Congress's fabulous program. It's the perfect time to plan out your trip, ensuring it's a memorable experience, and you have the opportunity to learn, network and enjoy the best of Australian hospitality. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create unforgettable moments.

Gold Sponsor Announcements

World Potato Congress has announced that Simplot and The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) have joined us as Gold Sponsors. Their generous sponsorship, alongside that of all the other sponsors, enables us to offer an exceptional event.

About Simplot 

At Simplot, the focus lies in Bringing Earth’s Resources to Life, enabling the fulfillment of the J.R. Simplot Company Purpose of Contributing to Feeding Our World. The company strives to create beloved food for Australians and New Zealanders by maximizing value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood.

Simplot, Gold sponsor of World Potato Congress 2024

About Department of Primary Industries and Regions

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency in the government of South Australia. They aim to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and the liveability of regional communities

Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Gold sponsor of World Potato Congress 2024

Spotlight on Speakers

Dr Adrian Cunnington

'Storage Technology and Energy Efficiency'

With over three decades of experience as a Potato Storage specialist, Adrian has been at the forefront of research and knowledge transfer to the UK industry.

Whether it's advising on storage techniques, developing new technologies, or providing tailored solutions, he is committed to delivering excellence in potato storage management. 

Jemma O'Hanlon

'Human Health & Nutrition'

As an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, consultant, and presenter, Jemma is on a mission to inspire health and happiness through food.

With nearly two decades of experience spanning across the food production, foodservice, food manufacturing, and public health sectors, Jemma is a trusted voice of authority in nutrition.

Dr Dave Douches

'Utilisation of genetic resources'

David S. Douches is a leading expert in potato breeding, genetics, and biotechnology with over 40 years of experience.

For the past 35 years, he has directed an active potato breeding program in Michigan focused on developing improved cultivars for the state's potato industry. 

Wachira Kaguongo

Mr. Wachira Kaguongo is an agricultural economist, working with National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) as chief executive officer. NPCK is a Public-Private Partnership Organization, with the goal of transforming potato subsector into a robust, competitive and self-regulating industry.

Previously, Mr. Wachira worked with International Potato Centre (6 yrs), International Livestock Research Institute (3 yrs) and International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (6 yrs). He is an International Advisor for World Potato Congress Inc., the Deputy National Chairman of the Kenya National Farmer’s Federation and a member of the board of Agricultural Food Authority in Kenya.

Dr. Monica Parker

Monica L. Parker PhD is passionate about delivering science to realise the impacts potato can have from individual households to national level economies. She has supported potato sector development through partnerships with governments, and public and private, community and farmer institutions in more than 10 countries throughout Africa and the Middle East.

She is particularly passionate about the ‘left behind’ countries, the likes of Eritrea, Niger, Sudan, Yemen plus many more high potential areas. As a Senior Scientist with the International Potato Center (CIP), Monica was based out of Kenya for 10 years, and resumed remote work in Canada last year.

Her career spans greater than 15 years in agriculture and food systems development in Africa, primarily horticulture and more than 10 years in the potato sector. Bringing a multi-disciplinary approach, her work encompasses technical and project leadership, strengthening partnerships, and program growth.

Originating from Canada, she completed her MSc (1999) from Simon Fraser University and PhD (2012) from the University of Guelph, both in Plant Pathology. Monica and CIP are very excited for a partnership under the Declaration of Dublin contributing to institutional capacity development at all levels of the potato sector.

Blair Richardson

Blair Richardson has fulfilled the responsibilities as CEO and President of Potatoes USA since 2013. On behalf of Potatoes USA and the potato industry, Blair sits on several produce and potato industry boards, including the Alliance for Potato Research and Education, the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation, the Alliance for Food and Farming, and others.

Mr. Richardson actively engages in issues of importance to the potato industry and is passionate about the need to proactively protect and defend the reputation of the potato. He is a strong proponent of aggressive advocacy and marketing tactics.

Prior to this, Blair served in similar positions with other private and industry organizations in California and has been an active farmer of both almonds and cherries while he was CEO/Partner of a large grower/packer/sales company specializing in fresh stone fruit, grapes, and citrus.

Mr. Richardson sold his last farm in California in 2021, which capped 32 years of working and/or farming in the state that began in 1989 with a ten-year career in the California cotton industry.