InterPom’24: Energy Boost for a Potato Sector in Accelerated Transition
For the whole potato chain, InterPom is the most specialized indoor trade show in Europe. Growers, contractors, processors, packers, purchasers, and traders of fresh and processed potatoes will be able to visit the displays of 330 exhibitors from 15 countries at Kortrijk Xpo from November 24 to 26, 2024.
At full capacity, the fair is the best place to keep up with the most recent advancements in the industry, price trends, and market changes. With an emphasis on the potato industry undergoing rapid change, the next edition is anticipated to draw 20,000 visitors from 50 nations eagerly awaiting the season's preparations.
Potato Sector in Accelerated Transition
All seven exposition rooms will be filled for InterPom'24, which will occupy the whole Kortrijk Xpo complex. Of these, 50% are foreign enterprises. The product line includes everything from seed potatoes to harvesters, sprayers, storage systems, processing machines, packaging systems, and both fresh and processed potatoes. The industry is eager to get together and talk about the progress of the current season while getting ready for the next one. InterPom'24, with the subject ‘Energizing a potato industry in transition,’ seeks to draw attention to the amazing energy that exists in the potato industry to look ahead.
“In the lead-up to InterPom, you keep hearing the same remark: we will know what to talk about at the fair! That’s why I thought it would be helpful to provide visitors and exhibitors with a list of topics: the wet spring and late harvesting, issues with cut seed potatoes, disease pressure, the evolution of potato prices, MAP7, the growth of industrial capacity, business movements in the sector, the water issue, the disappearance of crop protection products, and of course: the weather in general. But I would also like to make a suggestion. InterPom represents the entire sector. Let’s use those three days to engage in conversation and see where we can strengthen each other. The sustainable transition is gaining momentum. From grower to retailer, everyone needs to get on board. At Belgapom, we are working hard, but the real work must happen on the ground. We want to secure the crown jewel of the Belgian agro-industry for the (distant) future. So, let’s talk about that. And definitely come to our renewed seminar program. I promise it will be bursting with inspiration!” Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of Belgapom, stated.
Keynotes and Panel Discussions
Belgapom, the professional association for the Belgian potato trade and processing, has put together a program featuring an inspiring keynote each morning, followed by an engaging panel discussion in the afternoon. Over the three days of the fair, the themes of industry, agriculture, and water will be addressed. Belgapom will present a brief update on each theme before engaging in debate with subject matter experts. Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of Belgapom, will moderate the sessions. On the agenda:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - INDUSTRY: TRANSITION IN ACCELERATION
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Keynote: “The Potato Has a Future: What Scenarios Are Emerging for Potato Cultivation?” Jan de Keyser, Agricultural Director BNP Paribas Fortis
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Panel discussion with Jan de Keyser (BNP Paribas), Prof. Dr. Ir. Imca Sampers (UGent), Marc Van Herreweghe (Clarebout), Hans Muyshondt (Pomuni), and Bart Buysse (Fevia).
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - AGRICULTURE: HOW TO INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGIES?
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Keynote: “Integration of New Technologies Will Make Potato Cultivation More Sustainable” Dr. Ir. Geert Haesaert, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Bio-Engineering Sciences UGent
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Panel discussion with Dr. Ir. Geert Haesaert (UGent), Bram Van Hecke (Ministry of Agriculture, CD&V), Tom Destoop (Farmers' Union), Bart Nemegheer (Aardappelhoeve), and Jonathan Van Beek / David Nuyttens (ILVO).
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 - WATER: SOURCE OF NEW SOLUTIONS
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Keynote: “The Next Big Thing... A Lot of Small Things? Dealing with Water Challenges in Agriculture” Prof. Dr. Ir. Sarah Garré, Senior Researcher at ILVO and Guest Lecturer.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Panel discussion with Sarah Garré (ILVO), Ine Soenen (Province of West Flanders), Charlotte Boeckaert (VLAKWA), Klaas Malisse (Waterl’eau), and Wim Quaegebeur (Aviko).
Challenges in the Potato Sector Stimulate Innovations
The potato sector is currently facing significant challenges as a result of climate change, stricter regulations, increasing disease pressure, fluctuating energy costs, and the increasingly urgent need to make operations more sustainable. The rapid changes in the sector demand flexible adaptations, utilizing new technologies and targeted investments. An independent group of experts has curated a selection of ‘must-see’ innovations from exhibitors at InterPom just for you. These innovations will be announced in mid-November on the InterPom website and will be highlighted on the exhibition floor through the INNOVATION TOUR.
