The 7th World Potato Congress is to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand on 22 - 25 March 2009, and will be hosted by the Potato Product Group of Horticulture New Zealand. The theme of the Congress is “Nourishing Our Future” with the tagline “Potatoes: sustainable, nutritious, delicious.” It is expected that more than 500 delegates from developing, developed, and transitional countries, including growers, packers, traders, processors and researchers, will attend the conference.

 

The Congress is the major international event for the potato industry and scientists working in this area, and has been running since 1993. WPC 2009 will bring together representatives of the potato industry from around the world to share information, research and knowledge on all aspects of the potato industry.

 

Delegates will represent industry sectors in both developed countries and countries with developing potato industries. Over 50% of the world's potatoes are currently produced in developing countries, and the volume is increasing as new technology and practices are adopted in those countries.

 

Previous Congresses have been held in Canada, the UK, South Africa, the Netherlands, China and the US, but this is the first time the Congress has been held in the South Pacific. We are expecting a lot of interest from delegates around the world as people take up the opportunity, not just to attend WPC 2009 but also to visit a special destination like New Zealand.

 

The programme committee has developed an exciting array of topics for both the plenary and concurrent sessions, as well as an impressive list of international speakers.To view tentative programme and list of speakers to date Click
 

Also included in the programme is a special one day science based workshop prior to the Congress, on Sunday the 22nd of March and a tribute to the International Year of the Potato successes at a special breakfast to be held on Wednesday 25th of March.

 

A stimulating partners programme is also being planned. This will include an optional array of activities each day of the Congress.

 

For complete details and to register for the Congress and Partners Programme, we invite you to visit the 7^th World Potato Congress web site: www.wpcnz.org.nz/

 

Accommodations must be reserved individually. Please check the “Travel and Accommodation” page of the web site, click on the accommodation options, determine your preference, and make your booking.