From farmers and agronomists to supply chain partners, people from across Australia and around the world gathered in Adelaide in June for the biggest event on the potato calendar.

The 12^th World Potato Congress (WPC) aimed to elevate potato production through sharing knowledge, along with research and development breakthroughs, while shining a light on sustainability.

As global WPC sponsors and proud industry supporters, Syngenta took additional steps to enhance the event through sponsoring a large contingent of some of Australia's leading potato agronomists and growers, as well as the coordination of four guest speakers. 

Syngenta Australasia head of commercial Sam Hole said as a global ag-tech leader we pride ourselves on the quality of our research and development, which sets the standard in potato fungicides and seed treatments, here in Australia and across the globe.

“Having the best products is good, but what’s equally important is our work with the industry to help agronomists and farmers to achieve sustainable growth in their operations, for the long term,” Mr Hole said.

Each year Syngenta invests in ongoing education and upskilling of agronomists locally through the Syngenta potato partners program, delivering in-field training on application techniques, product development updates, and presentations on disease research.

Recognising the importance of these agronomists, Syngenta took the opportunity to thank these individuals at a dedicated networking event during the WPC.

“Potato partners is a program close to our hearts and it was developed right here in Australia,” Mr Hole said.

“This event was another chance for us to thank our platinum potato partners for their support and dedication to the Syngenta program and celebrate the relationship between potato growers and the stores which support them like no other.”

Among the highlights of the 12^th WPC were insightful and inspirational words from the Syngenta-sponsored guest speakers, including:

• Matt Sherriff, Syngenta technical manager, on maintaining effective disease control and mitigating fungicide resistance in high yielding potato production systems.
• Dr Greg Pringle, Syngenta market manager, biologicals, outlined the path for incorporating bio-control and bio-stimulant products for improved commercial outcomes involving integrated pest management.
• Agus Gomez, Syngenta EU product biology lead (insect control), led a virtual session on insecticide developments from within the European Union, and some of the issues growers are facing because of regulatory changes.
• Bryan Hart, potato crop manager and member of the management executive for AS Wilcox and Sons Ltd New Zealand, discussed developing the next generation of potato growers.

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