Potato Industry Conference in Mount Gambier, South Australia 10-12th August 2014
“Think Local, Think Global, Think Potatoes”
Themed, “Think Local, Think Global, Think Potatoes” the program will focus on the worldclass Australian potato industry, targeted R&D and Australia’s capability to export premium product.
“The Conference will target key production and environmental issues to help grow the industry and ensure that all stakeholders have access to the latest practical information to grow their businesses”, said Dr Nigel Crump, General Manager, ViCSPA.
The Conference which will be held at The Barn, has an exceptional line-up of speakers including Gary Secor, Professor of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University (NDSU). Professor Secor is a leading international expert and his work includes the diagnosis and management of potato diseases and variety
development of potatoes. As Keynote Speaker at the Conference, he will present on the topic of “Best management practices for maximising seed performance”.
Other speakers include Mr Champak Mehta, CEO Potatoes New Zealand Inc who will speak about the domestic industry, its successful export strategy and the opportunities for trans-Tasman collaboration. Mr Paul Graham, Director Market Strategy, Potato Marketing Corporation, Western Australia will also address
the Conference about the generic marketing of potatoes. The “Fresh Potatoes-Serve up Some Goodness” campaign is being delivered in Western Australia, and is providing some very encouraging results in the fresh sector.
Importantly, the conference will also include presentations by leading Australian potato specialists from the Australian Potato Research Program including, Dr Robert Tegg from the University of Tasmania, Dr Tonya Wiechel from DEPI Victoria and Mr Mike Rettke from SARDI.
CEO of Potatoes South Australia, Ms Robbie Davis said, “the Conference will provide industry-relevant knowledge presented by individual specialists and through several panel discussions and informal debates.
The panels include “Young Potato Producers”, “Seed Buyers and Sellers” and “Technical and Trade Gurus”. The emphasis will be on stakeholder engagement, and networking at a global level in a local environment”, she added.
For more information:
Robbie Davis
Tel: .061 0427 084 319
Email: robbiedavis@potatoessa.com.au