Potatoes are becoming more appealing to Australia’s innovative home chefs ('Eager Explorers') who are searching for the next exciting food trend, according to new consumer research.

The Papua New Guinean Government has instituted a ban on the import of selected Australian fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, effective from 11 August 2015.

Consumer research in Australia, Potato Tracker, has shown that Australian consumers prefer to purchase pre-packaged potatoes, with one to two kilogram packages as the ideal sizes.

Australian horticulture researcher and industry stalwart Dr Kevin Clayton-Greene has been honoured with a prestigious Industry Recognition Award at the 9th World Potato Congress in Beijing, China.

It appears that many Australians don’t know their King Edwards from their Kennebecs, with the latest wave of the Potato Tracker consumer research project indicating that some people can’t name a single variety of potato, despite being the most commonly purchased vegetable commodity.

A Tasmanian potato grower - known for her innovative use of the vegetable - has been announced as a keynote speaker at this year's National Horticulture Convention in Queensland, later this month.

South Australian potato growers will have the opportunity to be updated on the latest research and development (R&D) including managing soil pathogens, pests and diseases at a special workshop to be held by AUSVEG in Murray Bridge next week.

Economics experts James Bond and Chris Murphy have been issued with a licence to thrill delegates at this year’s National Horticulture Convention, Trade Show and Awards for Excellence on the Gold Coast (Australia)

South Korea could help provide Australian potato growers with some relief from domestic cost pressures via a potentially lucrative growth market for exports.