World Potato Congress 2012

Edinburgh, Scotland: Congress Site

WORLD POTATO CONGRESS DIRECTORS ADOPT TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH KILTS

World Potato Congress President, Allan Parker (front centre) leads an enthusiastic group of recent converts to the society of the Kilt…

In the photo are (front L-R) Director, Romain Cools; Director, Ghislain Pelletier; President Parker, General Manager, John Coady; Secretary, John Griffin; (rear L-R) Director, Albert Wada; Treasurer, John MacQuarrie; Director, Dr. Hubert Zandstra; and Vice President David Thompson.

The 8th International World Potato Congress was held Sunday, May 27 to Wednesday, May 30, 2012. It was hosted by the Potato Council and it marked the first time the Congress was held in Scotland. More than 750 delegates from all over the world, including growers, producers, traders, processors and manufacturers  attended the conference.

The congress brought together the world’s best in the global potato industry. It was a great opportunity to showcase the British potato industry on a global scale. Growers, packers and processors all benefitted from the event.

Furthermore, industry members were able to take advantage of opportunities to view the latest global R&D projects. The 8th WPC was an international event bringing together regulators and key opinion leadersfrom across the globe.

WPC Inc President Allan Parker noted Edinburgh, with its history, culture and superior amenities, made a great backdrop for the 8th World Potato Congress. “We typically attract delegates from across the potato industry spectrum, as well as related commercial interests such as: equipment manufacturers, crop protection specialists, banking and finance experts, marketing specialists, scientists, and many more. The list of those who benefit from our diverse and challenging program is exhaustive,” said Parker.

“We were pleased to welcome global industry leaders to Edinburgh. “ The Edinburgh International Convention Centre was the main venue, with delegates participating in a variety of seminars, presentations by industry leaders, and scientific dialogues. There were also opportunities to visit local growing and producing facilities. Numerous pre and post Congress tours offered visitors unique opportunities to discover developments in the potato industry in Scotland and throughout Great Britain.

The Congress functions to promote sharing of information on all aspects of the potato industry. Delegates represent industry sectors in both developed countries and countries with developing potato industries.