Under the theme ”The Changing World of the Potato”, the 11th World Potato Congress (WPC) will take place in Dublin (Ireland) between May 31 – June 3, 2021.

‘Fueling Performance with Potatoes’ is the title of a keynote plenary presentation to be delivered by Dr. Katherine Beals, University of Utah, USA. Holding a PhD in Exercise Science and Nutrition, and being a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Registered Dietitian and a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics she will strongly underpin the proposition that potato consumption supports optimal athletic performance.

Those interested to fuel their business performance can attend a plenary presentation on ‘The Dynamic Global Potato Market’ to be delivered by Cedric Porter, managing editor, World Potato Markets, UK, with special emphasis on opportunities for growth.

Consumers drive sales. In a rapidly changing world, understanding fast-changing consumer requirements is crucial. Lauren M. Scott, CMO, Produce Marketing Association, USA, will address this topic in her presentation ‘Global Consumer Trends in Fresh Produce’ with particular emphasis on the potato.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Louise O. Fresco, president, Executive Board Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands, will present on “The Future of Potato Research and its Contribution to Food Security and Sustainability.” From the largest potato producing country in the world, Yalin Yang, CPC Party Secretary for Zhaotong China, will present on ‘Successful Poverty Alleviation through the ‘Potato Empire’ strategy in SW China.’ Sampriti Baruah, from the International Potato Centre (CIP) in India, will give a presentation on ‘Small Farmer, Large Field.’

Following Tom Arnold’s (former CEO Concern Worldwide and Chair, EU Commission Task Force, Rural Africa) presentation on ‘The Contribution of the Potato to the UN Sustainable Goals and Climate Action’ and to conclude the Congress, WPC Inc. President Romain Cools will launch the Dublin Declaration – the manifestation of the WPC’s objective to increase public and private sector investment in potato-driven projects in developing countries.

President of World Potato Congress Inc., Romain Cools said: “Following the 10th World Potato Congress in 2018 in Cusco (Peru), origin of the potato, what location could be more suitable to discuss the role of the potato in a sustainable world than Ireland where the potato crop is woven in its history? North, South, East and West will gather at this high-level potato network event in the wonderful city of Dublin. On top it is clear that a dynamic World Potato Congress can contribute to boost the global potato value chain after the worldwide impact of the pandemic caused by Covid-19!”

Liam Glennon, chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee said: “Given a stellar cast of speakers, a business program of relevant, stimulating, even provocative topics and, pandemic permitting, a manic social program, this is a potato event not to be missed. Already there is an extraordinarily high level of interest in WPC2021 and the Europatat Congress running concurrently in Dublin is undoubtedly a major contributory factor to this. It is very clear the global potato community will attend WPC2021 in strength.

Berta Redondo, Europatat said: “Next year we are looking at a unique edition of the Europatat Congress in Ireland. No other European country has a more special relationship with the potato which will be to the benefit of delegates attending both Congresses from Europe and beyond.”