World potato congress farm show.

For several years the World Potato Congress has provided an opportunity for potato growers around the globe to collect the latest information and technology in the industry. A unique component to the 2006 Congress to be held in Boise, Idaho, is a three-day outdoor International Potato Equipment Exhibition and Farm Demonstration Show.

The World Potato Congress Farm Show, to be held Aug. 24-26, 2006, in Grand View, Idaho, will provide a rare hands-on view of a wide variety of equipment and crop management systems in the field and via active demonstrations and displays throughout the exhibition site.

"This show is the first of its kind," says Mark Randal, co-owner of R&R Productions, which is producing the show. "The Congress is geared to education and this year attendees will have the additional opportunity to see technology and products firsthand during the farm show that follows."

Potato harvest and related field and handling demonstrations will take place each day of the farm show. In addition, hundreds of exhibitors will include major growers, processors and retailers; manufacturers of tractors, tillage, seeding, irrigation and processing equipment; storage building manufacturers; seed and crop protection companies; and USDA/ARS and university scientists exhibiting the most exciting new research results.

According to Randal, the field demonstrations will showcase new technology and genetic research such as disease-resistant and higher-yield-ing varieties as well as the promotion of diverse end-uses for the crop.

Tim O'Connor, president and CEO of the U.S. Potato Board, says potato producers need to begin shifting away from traditional potato end-uses. "From my vantage point, the potato industry needs to give consumers new reasons to move beyond the traditional potato meal, which will require new varieties.

"We hope to use a portion of the farm show to showcase interesting new varieties that are developed enough to begin growing without risk," O'Connor explains.

The 2006 Farm Show is a great chance for the U.S., as one of the top potato-producing countries in the world, to leave a lasting impression on the global potato industry. For more information on the World Potato Congress Farm Show visit www.potatofarmshow.com.