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Join us as we relive the World Potato Congress 2024 in a short series of emails.

Kicking off below with the Opening Events.

Side Bar- The World Potato Congress Inc. is excited to share with our global contacts this short series of press releases prepared by Potatoes Australia. Thank you to Potatoes Australia for your excellent coverage and for hosting a world class event!

Potatoes Australia Ltd was proud to host the 12th World Potato Congress 2024. Potatoes Australia Ltd. Chairman Dr. Nigel Crump and Potatoes Australia Ltd. Executive Officer, Sonia Waterson welcomed guests to the event for the official opening.

This prestigious global event was opened on Sunday June 23, by The Honorary Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The World Potato Congress has been running for over 30 years and this is the first time it has been held in Australia.

The welcome function, sponsored by the South Australian Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), featured a Welcome to Country by Robert Taylor, honouring the traditional custodians, the Kaurna people.

Delegates from over 40 countries enjoyed an evening of exceptional South Australian hospitality. Savouring in local wines and indulging in the rich flavours and culinary excellence of the South Australian region.

Acclaimed Chef, Duncan Welgemoed of Africola fame, prepared gastronomic delights for delegates to enjoy. Duncan produced exotic, sumptuous canapes with locally grown potatoes as the hero, of course. Dishes included potato and chorizo bomba, potato scallops with ocean trout roe and whipped ‘truffled’ potato.

Pictured below is Chef Duncan Welgemoed and The Honorary Clare Scriven MLC, enjoying a potato scallop.

Click this button to view the highlight reel of the WPC2024 Welcome Function

Welcome Highlights

The program officially commenced Monday morning the 24th of June, with an opening address by Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson. Followed by, The Honorary Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Sponsors remarks by Elders Rural Services, Chris Willis.

Dr Peter VanderZaag, President of the World Potato Congress Inc. delivered the WPC President Address. The theme for this years World Potato Congress was “Old World Meets New”

Before a morning tea break, Guy Hareau, Principal Scientist at the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima, Peru, presented an overview of World Potato Production.

Photo’s by Festival City Photography

World Potato Congress 2024 was a hit, thanks to you!

Your feedback is appreciated and will help WPC Inc better meet your needs as they plan the next World Potato Congress! If you haven’t already filled in the survey please take a few moments to do so now. (Survey still open! Help us prepare for WPC Poland 2026)

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