News

Under the theme ‘The Changing World of the Potato, the 11th World Potato Congress (WPC) will take place in Dublin (Ireland) from 31st May to 3rd June 2021. WPC Inc. and the Local Organising Committee are pleased to launch the preliminary WPC 2021 programme of speakers and topics along with details on technical tours, optional excursions and the social programme now available on the WPC Dublin website – wpc2021.com.

Fuelling Performance with Potatoes’ is the title of a keynote plenary presentation to be delivered by Dr. Katherine Beals, University of Utah, USA. Holding a PhD in Exercise Science and Nutrition, and being a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Registered Dietitian and a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics she will strongly underpin the proposition that potato consumption supports optimal athletic performance.

Fuel your business performance by attending a plenary presentation on ‘The Dynamic Global Potato Market’ to be delivered by Cedric Porter, Managing Editor, World Potato Markets, UK, with special emphasis on opportunities for growth. World Potato Markets provides weekly online global market analysis and is an indispensable publication for the world’s potato professionals.

Consumers drive sales. In a rapidly changing world, understanding fast-changing consumer requirements is crucial. Lauren M Scott, CMO, Produce Marketing Association, USA, will address this topic in her presentation ‘Global Consumer Trends in Fresh Produce’ with particular emphasis on the potato.

Prof. Dr Ir. Louise O. Fresco President, Executive Board Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands, will present on “The Future of Potato Research and its Contribution to Food Security and Sustainability.” From the largest potato producing country in the world, Yalin Yang, CPC Party Secretary for Zhaotong China, will present on ‘Successful Poverty Alleviation through the ‘Potato Empire’ strategy in SW China.’ Sampriti Baruah, from the International Potato Centre (CIP) in India, will give a presentation on ‘Small Farmer, Large Field.’

Following Tom Arnold’s (former CEO Concern Worldwide and Chair, EU Commission Task Force, Rural Africa) presentation on ‘The Contribution of the Potato to the UN Sustainable Goals and Climate Action’ and to conclude the Congress, WPC Inc. President Romain Cools will launch the Dublin Declaration – the manifestation of the WPC’s objective to increase public and private sector investment in potato-driven projects in Developing countries.

Where else but Ireland would castles, a brewery (Guinness Storehouse) and a museum (Titanic Belfast) seamlessly coalesce with visits to farms, pack houses, distribution centres and a research centre? And that’s the Technical Tours. Other iconic (optional extra) tour destinations include the famous Cliffs of Moher, Trinity College Dublin, Glendalough, A Dublin Walking Tour. And have we mentioned the WPC Golf Tournament and a 2K Fun Run? There’s no end to it….

President of World Potato Congress Inc., Mr Romain Cools said: “Following the 10th World Potato Congress in 2018 in Cusco (Peru), origin of the potato, what location could be more suitable to discuss the role of the potato in a sustainable world than Ireland where the potato crop is woven in its history? North, South, East and West will gather at this high level potato network event in the wonderful city of Dublin. On top it is clear that a dynamic World Potato Congress can contribute to boost the global potato value chain after the worldwide impact of the pandemic caused by Covid-19!”

Mr. Liam Glennon, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee said: “Given a stellar cast of speakers, a business programme of relevant, stimulating, even provocative topics and, pandemic permitting, a manic social programme, this is a potato event not to be missed. Already there is an extraordinarily high level of interest in WPC2021 and the Europatat Congress running concurrently in Dublin is undoubtedly a major contributory factor to this. It is very clear the global potato community will attend WPC2021 in strength.

Ms Berta Redondo, Europatat said: “Next year we are looking at a unique edition of the Europatat Congress in Ireland. No other European country has a more special relationship with the potato which will be to the benefit of delegates attending both Congresses from Europe and beyond.”

Don’t miss out – check out the business and social programmes now on wpc2021.com.