The Edinburgh sessions with mark the 8th such session to be held of the popular gathering of producers and processors from across the world. The congress last convened in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2009.

This is the first time the conference will be held in Scotland, notes Allan Parker, WPC president.

More than 600 delegates from around the world will attend the gathering.

"The congress will bring together the world's best in our industry, and this is a great showcase for the British potato industry on a global scale," Mr Parker said.

The meeting will provide a forum for regulators and key opinion leaders in the potato industry to interface, he adds.

Additionally, the seed industry will be able to demonstrate the significant gains made in relative isolation management used in Scotland to prevent diseases.

"We typically attract delegates from across the potato industry spectrum, as well as related commercial interests such as equipment manufacturers, crop protection specialists, banking and finance experts, marketing specialists, scientists, and many more," Mr Parker said.

"The list of those who benefit from our diverse and challenging program is exhaustive. We look forward to welcoming the global industry leaders to Edinburgh."

The congress, set for May, 2012, will be held in the Edinburgh Convention Centre, with delegates participating in many seminars, presentations by industry leaders, and scientific dialogues.

There will be opportunities to visit local growing and processing facilities, with several pre- and post-conference tours to be announced.

The congress functions to promote sharing of information in all aspects of the potato industry, Mr Parker said, representing developing as well as developed nations.

* Visit www.potatocongress.org