World Potato Congress

The 13th World Potato Congress will take place in Naivasha, Kenya, from 26-30 October 2026, marking the first time this premier global potato industry event is held in East Africa. Under the theme “Global Potato Partnership for Enhanced Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Trade,” the congress is expected to bring together more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries, including policymakers, researchers, farmers, private sector leaders, investors and development partners. The five-day program will feature keynote presentations, technical sessions, exhibitions, field visits and networking opportunities focused on sustainable agriculture, innovation, climate resilience, food security and market development. As a leading potato-producing nation in Africa, Kenya provides a unique setting to showcase the vital role of potatoes in sustainable food systems and to strengthen global partnerships across the potato value chain.

During the World Potato Congress, the Crop Trust will be leading the panel discussion: 

A BOLD Approach: From Andean Wild Potatoes to Resilient Varieties in the Highlands of East Africa. 

28 October 2026 | 9:50 - 10:15

The session features a panel discussion on the partnerships, investments, and enabling policies needed to move resilient potato varieties from breeding programs to farmers' fields and markets across the East African highlands. It will explore:

• How conserved potato diversity is helping address climate, disease, and food security challenges in East Africa.
• How the International Potato Center (CIP) is using wild potato relatives to introduce valuable traits, including disease resistance, into improved breeding materials and new varieties.
• How farmers in Kenya are evaluating and selecting promising materials to ensure future varieties meet local production and market needs.
• How researchers, public institutions, farmers, youth, and private-sector partners can work together to strengthen seed systems and accelerate adoption.