Allan Stevenson, chair of the Potato Council, has declared the World Potato Congress open. Speaking yesterday, at the opening of the congress in Edinburgh, Mr Stevenson spoke of the role the spud has to play globally in addressing food security and sustainability challenges.

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The Potato Council chair asserted that “No other traditional staple foodstuff offers so much in terms of vitamins and nutrients.” He also acknowledged the need for diversity in order to achieve a sustainable future, “There is great diversity in global consumer needs and this is a feature of this Congress. I would encourage you all to visit some of our quality retailers and see what our consumer offering looks like in Britain today as we start our new fresh potato season.”

The chair went on to congratulate farmers in the sector for reducing their water, carbon and chemical footprint. According to the council, growers in Britain have reduced their phosphate use by 40 per cent, potash by 33 per cent and nitrogen by 29 per cent in the past thirty years.

The conference is being attended by 800 delegates from 50 countries.

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