The World Potato Congress (WPC) has opened nominations for its prestigious 2026 Industry Awards, ahead of the 13th World Potato Congress taking place in Naivasha, Kenya from 26 to 30 October 2026.
The call for nominations has been issued on behalf of Dr. Peter VanderZaag, President of World Potato Congress Inc. and Chairman of the WPC Industry Awards Committee.
About the World Potato Congress Industry Award
The WPC Industry Award is one of the most respected honours on the international potato scene. It recognises individuals who have made a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the global potato industry.
Typically, between three and five individuals are recognised during the Industry Awards ceremony held at each World Potato Congress. Past recipients of the award can be viewed on the official WPC website at potatocongress.org/awards.
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominations must be submitted in writing and include the following:
Proposer details: Your full name, professional status, email address and telephone number. Note that proposers are asked not to organise write-in campaigns in support of their nominee — letters of support will not be considered in the decision-making process.
Nominee details: The nominee’s full name, contact information, a career outline, and a statement of no more than 250 words explaining why they are a strong candidate for the Industry Award.
Nominations should be emailed directly to the WPC Executive Director at: info@potatocongress.org
Nomination Deadline: 30 June 2026
All nominations must be received by close of business on 30 June 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The Industry Awards Committee will review all written nominations and recommend recipients to the WPC Board of Directors for final approval. Award winners will be announced at the World Potato Congress in Naivasha, Kenya in October 2026.
About the 13th World Potato Congress
The 13th World Potato Congress will be held from 26 to 30 October 2026 at Naivasha, Kenya — marking the first time the congress comes to Africa. The event brings together potato industry professionals, researchers, policymakers and agribusiness leaders from around the world to share knowledge, innovation and best practices across the global potato value chain.
For more information on the congress and the Industry Awards, visit potatocongress.org.