International researchers attend Potato Congress 2012

World Potato Congress has become an important diary date and many of the potato industry’s leading international researchers have already registered to attend.

In addition, the Fifth Potato Virus ’Y’ (PVY-wide) workshop and a meeting of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) have been scheduled to coincide with the congress.

At these meetings world-leading international PVY research scientists will discuss topics such as the latest findings on PVY evolution, pathogenicity, epidemiology, control and management.

"Running the UNECE meeting in conjunction with the World Potato Congress provides the opportunity for certification officials and industry bodies from all corners of the globe to join together in harmonising trading standards," says John Kerr, head of Potato Branch at Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture. "The meeting will improve our collective understanding of what seed potato quality means in the context of a trading relationship as well as help each participating country to hone its own domestic controls through the experience of others."

At World Potato Congress Dr Kerr will be speaking about seed certification and its role in producing healthy, productive and profitable potato crops.

Potato Council director Dr Rob Clayton says: "World Potato Congress 2012 is the event at which everyone wants to be seen this year. It’s the ideal location to network with customers, and delegates will be able to maximise the potential business opportunities. Furthermore, topics on the agenda encompass practical discussions that can help our industry achieve greater sustainability and profitability.

"I strongly encourage everyone in the sector to attend the congress."