The countdown is officially on. In just 100 days, the global potato community will come together in Kenya for the World Potato Congress 2026, hosted first time in East Africa.

Join more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries, including growers, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, agribusinesses and development organisations, for a week of innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange. From inspiring keynote sessions and a world class exhibition to the unique Demonstration Field Day, WPC 2026 will showcase the latest advances shaping the future of the global potato industry while creating lasting connections across the value chain.

Whether you are a producer, researcher, supplier, processor, policymaker or investor, this is your opportunity to be part of a truly historic event.

Register for WPC 2026

 

News Recap

 

With 100 days to go until the 13th World Potato Congress in Naivasha, Kenya, preparation is ramping up and we are pleased to bring news highlights from the last few weeks.

 

 

We are delighted to have announced the latest speakers for WPC 2026 Kenya,

 

Dr Peter VanderZaag

Dr Peter VanderZaag (PhD) is President of the World Potato Congress Inc., having served in a variety of leadership roles with the organization since 2014 and as President since January 2023. He played an integral role in developing the programs for the last four World Potato Congresses held in China, Peru, Ireland, and Australia.

Dr Peter VanderZaag is a potato scientist whose career with the International Potato Center (CIP) took him to several African countries, as well as Southeast Asia and China. He later served on the CIP Board of Trustees from 2007–2014, including four years as Chair, and has also been an adjunct professor at several universities in Asia, supervising more than 30 graduate students.

Dr Peter VanderZaag and his family established Sunrise Potato, a large potato farm focused on sustainable farming practices, and in 2014 founded the Sunrise Potato Systems Institute to support remote mountain potato farmers in Asia. He is passionate about advancing global food and nutrition security through sustainable potato production and research.

Dr Peter VanderZaag will be presenting on “The New WPC Impacts Change Through Partnerships and Collaboration.”

 

Dr. Nigel Crump

Dr Nigel Crump is the General Manager and Principal Plant Pathologist of the Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority (AuSPICA), where he leads Australia’s largest seed potato certification system across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. With extensive experience in plant biosecurity, seed certification, and potato pathology, he plays a key role in safeguarding the quality and integrity of Australia’s seed potato industry.

Dr Nigel Crump is a Director of the World Potato Congress, Chair of the UNECE Specialized Section on Seed Potatoes, and a Director of Potatoes Australia Limited. He is widely recognised for his expertise in seed potato certification systems and biosecurity and is actively involved in international research, policy, and industry collaboration.

Dr Nigel Crump will be presenting on “International potato partnership for research on challenges faced globally.”

 

Dr. Ansa van Vuuren

Dr Ansa van Vuuren holds postgraduate qualifications in Plant Breeding from the University of the Free State and a Senior Management qualification from the University of Pretoria. She has extensive experience across plant breeding, crop protection, field trials, and research, with a career spanning a wide range of agricultural crops.

Dr Ansa van Vuuren has held leadership roles in research, plant breeding, and plant health, including managing the Plant Health and Protection campus at the Agricultural Research Council for eight years. In 2024, she was appointed Managing Director of the Potato Certification Service of South Africa.

Dr Ansa van Vuuren will be presenting on “Complete Established Seed System.”

 

View All Invited Speakers

 

 

New Sponsors Announcement

 

We are proud to announce the latest partners joining the 13th World Potato Congress 2026 in Kenya! 🌍🥔

We are delighted to welcome AGRA and Kevian Kenya Limited as Silver Partners, alongside TriCal Group and Andermatt Group as Bronze Sponsors and Planting Partners. These leading organizations bring a wealth of expertise and innovation to WPC 2026, from supporting farmers and strengthening sustainable agricultural systems to advancing food processing, soil health, and biological solutions.

Their partnership reflects the growing global confidence in Africa’s potato sector and the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain. We look forward to showcasing the contributions of these organizations as we bring together farmers, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world for the first-ever World Potato Congress in East Africa.

 
 

Late Poster Abstract Submissions

 
Following the outstanding response and high level of interest received during the main abstract submission period earlier this year, the 13th World Potato Congress is excited to announce that the **Late Poster Abstract Submission Portal is now open!**

If you were unable to submit before the original deadline, you now have another opportunity to share your research, innovations, and expertise through a late poster abstract and be part of one of the potato industry’s leading global events.

 

The deadline for late poster abstract submissions is Friday 7th August.

Join researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and potato professionals from across the globe in Naivasha, Kenya, as we come together to discuss the future of the international potato sector.

View the submission terms and conditions below and submit your abstract today!

 

Submit Abstract

 

WPC Webinar: Information Session and Q&A – 13th World Potato Congress

 

As part of its ongoing webinar series, the World Potato Congress Inc. hosted an information session and Q&A last month ahead of the 13th World Potato Congress, providing an overview of the planning for the 2026 Congress held in Naivasha, Kenya from October 26–30.

Hosted by Dinah Borus, Chris Gasperi, and Dáire McCafferty, the webinar shared key information, planning updates, and practical insights for delegates attending the event.

The webinar provided an exclusive preview of the Congress program, highlighting the world-class speaker lineup, partner initiatives, commercial field days, and post-Congress tours that showcased both Kenya’s potato industry and its renowned national parks.

The session also outlined several key Congress highlights, including the launch of the International Potato Working Groups and the participation of the FAO in unveiling the 2027 theme for the International Day of the Potato.

 

Watch WPC Webinar here

 

Registration Link

Register Here

 

Showcase. Connect. Grow.

Connect with a global audience of 1000+ international delegates, including policymakers, researchers, agribusiness leaders and investors, alongside 1,500+ local farmers at WPC2026. Secure Your Place Today!

Email: partners@wpc2026kenya.com

 

 

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities – Contact Us

Please be aware of unauthorized agencies acting as agents for WPC 2026. Keynote PCO is the official professional conference organizer for this event. Only consult our official website to obtain information about the congress in Kenya.

WPC 2026 Official Website

This year’s Congress has so much to offer attending delegates and accompanying guests. As this year’s host, Kenya looks forward to seeing you at the 13th World Potato Congress!