WPC Celebrates International Day of the Potato with Global Webinar: The Role of Potato in Rural Development and Food Security

In celebration of the International Day of the Potato, the World Potato Congress (WPC) is hosting a global webinar titled “The Role of Potato in Rural Development and Food Security.” The event aims to spotlight the potato’s critical role in enhancing food security, supporting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening rural livelihoods worldwide.

The international webinar will bring together voices from across the globe to examine how this strategic crop supports communities through increased nutrition, economic opportunity, and farming resilience. Drawing on real-world experiences, the session will feature case studies from the Andes, China, and West Africa, demonstrating how the potato improves lives, particularly among smallholder farmers.

Featured Presenters:

• André Devaux - A Belgian agronomist with over 35 years of experience in research for development. He has worked extensively with the International Potato Center (CIP) in East Africa, Pakistan, and the Andes, where he also served as Regional Director for Latin America. He played a key role in promoting native potato diversity and enhancing smallholder competitiveness in the Andes. He currently serves as a Director on the World Potato Congress Board.
• Bruno Vanderhofstadt - An agronomist who has focused his entire career on potato-based development projects in Africa. He is the author of two landmark technical manuals on potato cultivation—one dedicated to West Africa and the other to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His work has helped transform the potato from a luxury food into a staple crop in various African regions.
• François Serneels - An agronomist with significant experience leading international cooperation projects at CARAH, particularly in China and other parts of Asia. Recognized for his expertise in potato systems and disease warning networks, he was named one of the 40 most influential foreign experts by the Chinese government and received the country’s prestigious Friendship Award.

To fully benefit from the simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Spanish, attendees are encouraged to install Microsoft Teams in advance. This will help ensure a smooth and accessible webinar experience.

Join the Global Potato Webinar on May 21, 2025, to learn how the humble potato is changing lives across Africa, Asia, and the Andes.