Potato Demo Day 2026 will take place on Wednesday, 2 September 2026 in Westmaas, the Netherlands. This renowned biennial event is one of the most important meeting points for professionals across the entire potato value chain. It serves as a dynamic platform where people from all segments of the industry come together to meet, learn, and innovate — the central theme of this edition.
Purpose and Audience
The event is designed for everyone involved in the potato sector: growers, traders, machinery manufacturers, processors, researchers, and advisors. It focuses on strengthening collaboration within the industry by promoting the exchange of knowledge, showcasing the latest technologies, and discussing future challenges such as sustainability, mechanisation, and market adaptation.
Potato Demo Day is more than an exhibition — it is a hub for ideas, connections, and solutions. Its mission is to support the professional development of the potato sector and to encourage innovation at every level, from field to processing and beyond.
Highlights of the 2026 Edition
Startup Plaza
A brand-new feature for 2026, the Startup Plaza will give young companies, startups, and scale-ups the opportunity to present their innovations. This area will focus on breakthrough technologies, digitalisation, precision agriculture, sustainability tools, and novel business concepts that could transform the potato sector.
Demonstration Fields
Practical demonstrations are a signature part of Aardappeldemodag. On the large outdoor grounds in Westmaas, visitors can see live trials and results from experimental plots. These show modern cultivation techniques, crop protection methods, and the performance of new machinery in real working conditions.
Mechanisation Plaza
Leading machinery and equipment manufacturers from the Netherlands and abroad will display and demonstrate their latest harvesting, planting, grading, and storage technologies. Visitors will be able to see new machines in action and discuss technical details directly with producers and engineers.
Knowledge Barn and Seminars
Throughout the day, a series of lectures, seminars, and discussion sessions will take place in the “Knowledge Barn.” Experts from research institutions, universities, and industry will share insights on topics such as sustainable potato production, soil health, climate-resilient farming, and digital innovation.
Young Farmers Programme
The Young Farmers Programme continues in 2026, offering special sessions and activities aimed at young entrepreneurs and new entrants to the potato sector. This initiative encourages the next generation of growers to connect, learn, and adopt modern, future-proof approaches.
Why Attend
- Complete industry coverage: The event connects every link in the potato chain — from cultivation and harvesting to processing, packaging, and marketing.
- Independent knowledge sharing: Visitors gain access to neutral, science-based information about the latest research, technologies, and trends.
- Networking opportunities: Potato demo day emphasises personal interaction. It is a place to meet colleagues, exchange ideas, and build partnerships.
- Hands-on experience: Through demonstrations and live displays, attendees can see, touch, and experience innovations first-hand.
- Inspiration and renewal: The 2026 edition focuses strongly on innovation and future-oriented development, ensuring that participants leave with new insights and motivation.
Organisation
Potato Demo Day 2026 is organised by leading Dutch institutions in the agricultural and potato sectors, including Wageningen University & Research, the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO), and the Association of Potato Processing Industries (VAVI). These respected partners guarantee a high-quality, professional event built around expertise and credibility.
Visitor and Exhibitor Information
For visitors, Potato Demo Day 2026 offers a full-day experience combining exhibitions, field demonstrations, technical sessions, and networking opportunities. For exhibitors, stand registration opens in January 2026, allowing companies to secure space on the exhibition grounds or within the innovation zones.
Since part of the event takes place outdoors on active demonstration fields, visitors are advised to wear suitable clothing and footwear for field conditions.
Potato Demo Day 2026 in Westmaas will be a vibrant, future-focused event where the global potato community gathers to exchange knowledge, explore innovations, and strengthen connections. With its mix of live demonstrations, lectures, and interactive exhibits, it offers professionals across the sector a unique opportunity to discover new solutions and shape the future of potato production — all in one inspiring day of meeting, learning, and innovation.
