EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND SITE OF 2012 WORLD POTATO CONGRESS

In photo:L to R, Allan Stevenson, Potato Council Chairman; Richard Lochhead, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment; Allan Parker, President of World Potato Congress Inc

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

World Potato Congress Inc (WPC Inc) President, Allan Parker and Potato Council Chairman Allan Stevenson, announced today that Edinburgh has been selected as the site of the 8th International World Potato Congress to be held Sunday, May 27 to Wednesday, May 30, 2012.

It is the first time the Congress will be held in Scotland and it will be hosted by the Potato Council. More than 600 delegates from all over the world, including growers, producers, traders, processors and manufacturers are expected to attend the conference.

"The congress will bring together the world's best in our industry and this is a great opportunity to showcase the British potato industry on a global scale. Growers, packers and processors will all benefit from the event," Mr. Stevenson said. "Furthermore, industry members will be able to take advantage of opportunities to view the latest R&D projects in which Britain continues to lead the world." 

"As this is an international event bringing together regulators and key opinion leaders, there will be the opportunity for British growers, packers and processors to influence core EU regulatory issues and draw the attention of the media to the challenges currently facing the industry," he added.

In addition, the high quality seed industry will be able to demonstrate the significant advantages gained from the relative isolation of Scotland from potato diseases to potential overseas markets.

WPC Inc President Allan Parker noted Edinburgh, with its history, culture and superior amenities, will make 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 look forward to welcoming the global industry leaders to Edinburgh in 2012."

The Edinburgh International Convention Centre will be the main venue, with delegates participating in a variety of seminars, presentations by industry leaders, and scientific dialogues. There will also be opportunities to visit local growing and producing facilities. Numerous pre and post Congress tours will offer 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 will represent industry sectors in both developed countries and countries with developing potato industries.

For further information and a direct link to the Potato Council website, click here.