Potato professionals will be able to meet each other again after more than two years, for Interpom will be soon opening its doors in Kortrijk Xpo. This is the first major international meeting platform for the potato chain that will finally see the light of day on Sunday 28, Monday 29, and Tuesday 30 November 2021.

According to Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of Belgapom, after one and a half years of using Zoom and Teams to communicate, Interpom offers the potato professionals the perfect opportunity to meet each other in person again.

“Physical contact is extremely important in our sector. The range of participants and the program is quite impressive, and the first reactions confirm that people are looking forward to this event. It was about time, too, because the current challenges are considerable. Exceptional weather conditions, the consequences of the CIPC ban, the Green Deal… At Interpom, there will certainly be enough to talk about. I, therefore, expect a first-class edition!” Vermeulen mentioned.

Innovation Champions from the Entire Potato Chain

In the fast-growing potato sector, innovations are the common thread that enables efficient, competitive, and sustainable growth. An independent group of experts has carefully selected the most relevant innovations in the chain, which offer significant added value to you as a user and to the further sustainability and professionalization of the potato sector. These must-see innovations will be highlighted at the fair in a special tour – the Innovation Tour – and through digital communication.

Seminars: Hot topics & exciting innovative projects

This year’s seminar program is truly impressive! Interpom is committed to sharing knowledge through a continuous program covering both hot topics and exciting innovative projects. Here is a sample of the program put together by Belgapom: germination inhibition in a post-CIPC era (Inagro), Europe’s ambitions in the Farm to Fork strategy: what does it mean for the potato sector? (ILVO), the impact of the pandemic on the global potato trade (World Potato Markets), a green vaccine to combat potato blight (UGent), sales channels for potato flows (ILVO & VLAIO), detecting Alternaria faster thanks to sensors, drones, and AI (ILVO), how to combat diseases and pests in potatoes (ILVO), a new warning model for Alternaria (PCA & CARAH), the results of three years of trials with resistant organic potatoes (CRA-W), Residual soil (tare) returned to the field free from contaminants – research into suitable heat treatment processes (Flanders Food), etc. The full program can be found on www.interpom.be.

Romain Cools, Belgapom Advisor, will be in charge of coordinating and moderating this seminar program in Dutch, French, and English. Interpom 2021 will thus definitely provide a new impetus for a strong, dynamic and sustainable Belgian & European potato chain. All seminars will be streamed and will also be available on the website after the trade fair.

Online Visitor Registration and Ticket Sales have Started

To be able to purchase their entry ticket (EUR10/pp for a day ticket), visitors must register online first. Those with a code for a 50% discount or free ticket must also register in advance using the code mentioned on the invitation. Visitors will only receive their entry tickets after registration (and payment, if applicable). Tickets can be purchased online now at www.interpom.be.

Plan a Safe Visit to Interpom Thanks to the Covid-19 Safe Ticket

Interpom will take place in its usual form, in a completely safe environment, using the Covid-19 Safe Ticket system. As with most fairs in Belgium and abroad, visitors will therefore need to own a valid Covid-19 Safe Ticket (QR code in the CovidSafeBE app) at the entrance of Kortrijk Xpo to be granted access to Interpom.

So make sure you are well prepared and have a test, recovery, or vaccination certificate with a QR code at hand. At the trade fair, you will not be required to wear a face mask, there will be no fixed walking directions and no restrictions on the number of visitors. This means you will be able to visit the trade fair safely with your partners and colleagues.