World Potato Congress 2009
Christchurch, New Zealand

The World Potato Congress 2009 will take place in the beautiful city of Christchurch, New Zealand on 22 - 25 March 2009. As you're a previous Congress delegate, we'd like to give you a special advance preview of this major event.

WPC 2009 will be hosted by the Potato Product Group of Horticulture New Zealand (Horticulture NZ is the industry organisation representing New Zealand's commercial fruit and vegetable growers).

2009 will be the first time the Congress has been held in the South Pacific, and the theme is "Nourishing Our Future". We expect more than 500 delegates from developing and developed countries, including growers, packers, traders, processors and researchers, will attend.

WPC 2009 aims to promote sharing of information on all aspects of the potato industry. Delegates will represent industry sectors both in developed countries and countries with developing potato industries. Over 50% of the world's potatoes are currently produced in developing countries, and the volume is increasing, as new technology and practices are adopted.

WPC 2009 will be held in the Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand's largest purpose built convention centre where a variety of seminars, presentations by industry leaders, and scientific dialogues will be offered. Delegates will also have opportunities to visit local potato growing and packing facilities.

Christchurch is the Garden City and Festival Centre of New Zealand, and is the home of the South Island Fielddays, Ellerslie Flower Show and gateway to the fertile agricultural region of Canterbury. With its modern amenities and easy access the mountains, coasts, rivers and plains beyond, Christchurch is a wonderful venue in which to participate in the top potato industry event in the world. Pre- and post- Congress tours will also be available to ensure that you have the chance to extend your stay into a holiday and visit both the South and North Islands of New Zealand if you wish.

Please visit the official website at www.wpcnz.org.nz. This will be constantly updated as more information becomes available.
We will shortly be sending you the official registration pack, but please accept this email as your personal invitation to WPC 2009 - we look forward to seeing you there!

With kind regards,
Terry Olsen
Chairman
Management Committee
Seventh World Potato Congress