MORE than 180 members of the potato industry will converge on Geelong next week for the 2010 Potato Industry conference.
The conference starts Monday, July 26 and finishes Tuesday, July 27.
Themed ''Back to basics'' the two-day conference will include sessions on agronomy, occupational health and safety, soil nutrition, finance and disease management.
Victorian Certified Seed Potato Authority manager Dr Nigel Crump, who is co-ordinating the conference, said it would give participants the chance to learn about how to remain viable in their markets now that potatoes were being grown and manufactured under increasingly competitive and globalised conditions.
''Technology is constantly changing in the industry as companies and growers seek greater efficiencies and the sustainable use of natural resources,'' Dr Crump said.
''It is critical that the Australian industry continues to embrace new technologies and adopt world's best practice.
''Participants will hear current perspectives from renowned specialists including John Sarup, from the Scottish Agricultural College, and Greg Patterson from A&L Canada and discover what has been happening in the Australian potato research program.''
Dr Crump said ''Toolangi Elite'', the mini-tuber production facility formerly run by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and now under ViCSPA's auspices, also would be launched during the conference.
ViCSPA and the Victorian Strawberry Industry Certification Authority have taken on the lease of the former DPI Toolangi Research Station, which includes the mini-tuber production facility.
As part of the conference, a dinner and awards presentation will be held at the Geelong Ford Discovery Centre on Monday night.
For more details, phone ViCSPA (03) 5962 0000, Seed Potatoes Victoria 0418 921 593 or visit the conference website at www.spv.org.au
