Experienced researchers and industry experts from across the globe will converge on South Australia in 2023 after Adelaide won the rights to host the 2023 World Potato Congress.
Potatoes South Australia successfully led a bid for Adelaide to host the 2023 World Potato Congress, which will attract more than 1000 delegates, generating $4.5 million to the state’s economy.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone announced Adelaide would host the world event at the Potatoes South Australia Annual Dinner and Auction on Friday.
“Hosting the World Potato Congress is a massive coup for South Australia and this is the first time the event has been held in Australia,” said Minister Whetstone.
“South Australia produces in excess of 500,000 tonnes of potatoes annually and 80 per cent of the nation’s fresh potatoes.
“The Congress is an opportunity to showcase to an international audience why South Australia is a leader in the potato industry.
“I’d like to congratulate Potatoes South Australia on the hard work they put in to leading a successful bid for this major event.
“The World Potato Congress is recognition of the excellence of our industry, as well as the knowledge and passion in the state.
“Events such as these play an essential role in trade and investment in the opportunities they present to the state prior to, during and importantly after the last delegate departs.
“We will also be encouraging delegates to stay longer and enjoy the experiences on offer in wonderful tourism regions.”
Potatoes South Australia Chief Executive Officer Robbie Davis, who led the bid with a national committee to host the congress in South Australia, was thrilled at the success of the proposal.
“This congress will see world leaders in the industry congregate in South Australia, the nation’s largest producer by volume and value,” said Ms Davis.
“This event will raise both Australia and South Australia’s international profile as a premium producer of potatoes, and enable our industry to exchange knowledge with the world’s leaders in potatoes.
“I’d like to thank the industry and the State Government for their support for the bid.”
Adelaide Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer Damien Kitto said the agriculture industry is vital to South Australia through its economic generation, world-class innovation and job creation.
“The Adelaide Convention Bureau is proud to have partnered with Potatoes South Australia to bring this globally significant agriculture event to Adelaide and we thank the State Government and our Team Adelaide partners for their support,” said Mr Kitto.
“Congratulations to Potatoes South Australia on their initiative to create the ‘WPC Trust for Developing Nations’ which will play a significant role for the world potato industry for decades.”
The Congress is an opportunity for primary producers, researchers, wholesale and retail merchants, processors, exporters and all other stakeholders in the value chain to build stronger networks and discuss all aspects of the industry, both from developed countries and those growing their industry.
The 2023 Congress will follow the 2021 Congress, which will be hosted in May 2021 by the Irish Potato Federation in Dublin, Ireland.
