The phrase the ‘humble potato’ was banished in favour of ‘food hero’ at last month’s World Potato Congress, held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The resounding theme was the vital role the potato can play in feeding the world’s millions. It is predicted that by 2050 the world’s population will have reached 9 billion, and it will be increasingly difficult to meet demand for food.

The potato was named a hero by several of the speakers, including former New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Jim Bolger and Cuisine Food Editor Lauraine Jacobs, because it’s highly nutritious, uses little water and can be grown in almost any conditions. This makes it an ideal crop for feeding a growing population during a time of global warming and increasing competition for land.                                         

                                                 Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger addresses 7th WPC delegates

Other issues and themes discussed at the Congress included:

• The need for the industry to think differently, collaborate and invest more in promotion, to take advantage of the opportunities presented.

• The significant impact of climate change on potato growers, bringing a changing operating conditions and more disease potential. Potato growers in Australia would be most affected.

• The social responsibility of the industry to grow food that is safe to eat, nutritious and of a high quality.

• The Congress demonstrates the power of collaboration. If 500 people can come together to learn about issues, they should also come together to collaborate for the betterment of the industry.

Guest speakers included:

• Martin Kneebone, Freshlogic.com and Dr Andrew Fearne, Centre for Supply Chain Research, Kent Business School, UK: Understanding value chains

• Rt Hon Jim Bolger, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chairman of the World Agricultural Forum Advisory Group: The future of the potato

• Dr Kristian Moeller, Managing Director, GLOBALGAP and Nadene Smith, Business Manager QA, Woolworths: Food safety and quality assurance Supermarkets, Australia

• Professor William Bailey, Agriculture Department, Western Illinois University, US: Potatoes for biofuel?

The next Congress will be held in 2012, with the location to be confirmed.