News

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As the world shares its stories of celebration around the first International Day of Potato, and as we set our sights on the 12th World Potato Congress to be held in Adelaide, Australia, the WPC is pleased to announce the locations of the 13th and 14th World Potato Congress events.

13th World Potato Congress 2026 : Gdansk, Poland

The Polish Potato Federation is honored to have been chosen to host the 13th Congress in Poland.  The picturesque city of Gdansk, located on the Baltic coast, will be the host city for the esteemed World Potato Congress event. Set to take place in late June 2026, this global event will shine a spotlight on Poland’s thriving potato industry and the surrounding potato-growing regions.  

The Polish Potato Federation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the interests of the Polish potato industry. Representing growers, processors, researchers, and other stakeholders, the Federation works to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the potato sector in Poland and beyond. “Poland’s potato-growing regions are emblematic of the resilience and adaptability of the people of Poland as well as their potato industry,” says WPC President Peter VanderZaag. 

 

Gdansk and its surrounding areas boast a rich agricultural heritage and a favorable climate for potato cultivation. The region’s sandy soils, maritime influence, and moderate temperatures create optimal conditions for producing high-quality potatoes prized for their taste, texture, and versatility.

“We are thrilled to bring the World Potato Congress to Gdansk, a city renowned for its history, culture, and vibrant potato industry,” said Tomasz Bieńkowski, President of the Polish Potato Federation. “Gdansk and its surrounding regions are home to some of the most productive and innovative potato growers in Poland, and we are excited to showcase their achievements to a global audience.” Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Gdansk’s potato-growing areas firsthand through field tours, farm visits, and interactive workshops led by local experts.

Originally planned for Nairobi, Kenya in 2026, the WPC Board and the organizing committee in Kenya agree that more time is needed to facilitate the details around a Congress in Kenya.  As such, discussions are currently underway with the Kenya team suggesting the possibility of hosting this biennial event sometime after the 2028 Congress.  

The Polish Potato Federation extends a warm invitation to all potato industry stakeholders to join us in Gdansk for the 2026 World Potato Congress

14th World Potato Congress 2028 : Ghent, Belgium

In 2028, The World Potato Congress is set to make its mark in Ghent, Belgium, with an exciting announcement confirming the city as the host for this prestigious event. The successful bid, led by Belgapom, was supported by many public and private sector partners.

 

 

Scheduled to take place in late November 2028 , the World Potato Congress will kick off a series of potato-focused activities leading up to the renowned Interpom exhibition, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of potatoes.

Interpom is an international trade fair dedicated to the entire potato sector, from cultivation to processing and marketing. Held in Kortrijk, Belgium, Interpom brings together a wide array of exhibitors, including equipment manufacturers, seed producers, processing companies, and service providers. Attendees include farmers, agronomists, researchers, industry experts, and business leaders who are interested in the latest developments and networking opportunities within the potato sector.

Ghent, known for its historic charm and vibrant cultural scene, provides an ideal backdrop for the World Potato Congress. Belgium’s rich potato tradition, coupled with its innovative agricultural practices, makes it a fitting destination for this global gathering of potato industry leaders, researchers, and enthusiasts.

“We are thrilled to bring the World Potato Congress to Ghent, a city steeped in potato heritage and agricultural innovation,” says Christophe Vermeulen CEO of Belgapom “By hosting the Congress just days before the Interpom exhibition, we aim to create a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and business opportunities that will benefit the entire potato value chain.”

“The World Potato Congress serves as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation within the global potato community,” adds President Peter VanderZaag. “As we confront challenges such as food security, climate change, and shifting consumer preferences, it is more important than ever to come together to share insights, best practices, and solutions.”

The 2026 and 2028 Congresses will have a particular focus on the unique challenges and opportunities facing potato growers in the European Union..

In addition to their agricultural significance, Gdansk, Poland and Gent, Belgium offers attendees a wealth of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and culinary delights. Congress participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of these cities while forging new connections and collaborations with fellow potato enthusiasts from around the globe.

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Join us in celebrating the next World Potato Congress in Adelaide, Australia in June 2024!