The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) Summer Symposium 2025 is the premier event exclusively dedicated to sustainability in the potato industry, set to take place from July 15 to 17, 2025, in the beautiful city of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI).
This in-person conference, hosted in collaboration with PSA members Cavendish Farms and The Little Potato Company, brings together a diverse group of industry leaders, experts, and innovators committed to advancing sustainable practices throughout the potato value chain.Beyond the professional focus, the event offers attendees a chance to enjoy the stunning scenery and vibrant culture of PEI, making it a perfect blend of industry engagement and summer getaway.
Attendees are encouraged to stay at specially reserved hotel blocks at The Holman Grand and The Rodd Charlottetown, both offering exclusive group rates and located conveniently in downtown Charlottetown. Given PEI’s busy summer tourist season, early booking is highly recommended to secure accommodations.
The symposium’s agenda is thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive and interactive experience:
- July 15 (Tuesday) begins with a Welcome Reception at The Holman Grand Hotel from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, providing a relaxed environment to connect with fellow participants over light refreshments.
- July 16 (Wednesday) is a full day of educational sessions at The Culinary Institute of Canada starting at 8:00 AM. Highlights include discussions on the role of variety development and selection in sustainability, the importance of pollinator health and habitat, and insights from allied industry leaders on practical sustainable solutions. Exclusive members-only breakouts foster sector-specific dialogue, while sessions on PSA’s on-farm assessment data and program verification prepare the industry for upcoming verification protocols. The day concludes with an optional Lobster Supper at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, offering a delightful seafood dining experience and networking opportunity.
- July 17 (Thursday) features a morning of sessions focusing on critical issues such as soil-borne pathogens and integrated pest management, advancements in potato storage technology, and collaborative project development strategies. Attendees will also participate in breakout sessions including a listening session led by Iowa State University on neonicotinoid regulations and the introduction of PSA’s first Position Paper. The afternoon includes industry tours of the Harrington Research Farm—an 800-acre sustainable agriculture hub—and Allan Equipment Manufacturing Ltd., Canada’s largest potato harvesting equipment producer.
- On July 18 (Friday), PSA Board members convene for a morning board meeting at The Holman Grand, which is open to all attendees interested in governance discussions.
Beyond the formal agenda, attendees have the opportunity to enjoy evening cultural events at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, with performances of Tell Tale Harbour or Million Dollar Quartet. PSA has partnered with Cavendish Farms to offer symposium participants a 25% discount on tickets using promo code POTATO25.
The 2025 PSA Summer Symposium stands out as an essential forum for anyone invested in sustainable potato production, offering cutting-edge knowledge exchange, meaningful collaboration, and a chance to experience the charm of Prince Edward Island in summer. Whether you’re a grower, processor, researcher, or sustainability advocate, this event delivers valuable insights and connections to help shape the future of the potato industry.
