Christchurch Site of 2009 World Potato Congress

Media Release
November 15, 2007

Christchurch Site of 2009 World Potato Congress

Christchurch, NZ:

Allan Parker, President of World Potato Congress Inc., announced today that Christchurch has been selected as the site of the 7th International World Potato Congress to be held in March 2009.

It’s the first time the Congress will be held in the South Pacific and will be hosted by the Potato Product Group of Horticulture New Zealand. It’s expected more than 500 delegates from developing and developed countries, including growers, producers, traders, processors and manufacturers, will attend the conference.
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President Parker, of Prince Edward Island, Canada, stated “Christchurch, the Garden City and Festival Centre, with its many contrasting amenities, will be an ideal venue for delegates to our tri-annual congress.”

Potato Product Group Chairman, Terry Olsen, said the industry was extremely pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Christchurch and New Zealand to potato industry leaders from throughout the world

“The information exchange, and first hand exposure to developments in the potato industry, will benefit both local and international players alike,” said Mr. Olsen.

The Christchurch Convention Centre will be the main venue, with delegates participating in a variety of seminars, presentations by industry leaders, and scientific dialogues. Delegates will also have opportunities to visit local growing and producing facilities. Numerous pre and post Congress tours will offer delegates unique opportunities for exposure to both the South and North Islands of New Zealand.

The 2009 Congress was awarded to Christchurch following a decision by the Directors of World Potato Congress Inc. to relocate the event from Paris, France, due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Congress functions to promote sharing of information on all aspects of the potato industry. Delegates represent industry sectors in both developed countries and countries with developing potato industries. Over 50% of the world's potatoes are produced in developing countries, with the volume increasing, as new technology and practices are adopted in those countries.

The 2009 World Potato Congress will offer the floor to evaluate the results of the UN International Year of the Potato, 2008.

World Potato Congress Inc. is a non-profit entity. It organises Congresses periodically throughout the world, in cooperation with Local Host Committees. Information on World Potato Congress activities can be found on the organisation's web site www.potatocongress.org

ENDS

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