Contact: (202) 682-9456 or e-mail: questions@potato-expo.com
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| Schedule | Speakers | Events | Fees | Lodging | Sponsors | Side Meetings | Future Meetings |
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At A Glance
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| Thursday, January 5, 2012 |
The Ultimate Turnaround: From Worst to First |
In the airline industry, few names inspire as much awe, admiration and accolades as Gordon M. Bethune. At Continental Airlines, Bethune spearheaded one of the most dramatic corporate turnarounds in United States history. When he joined the troubled carrier as president and chief operating officer in February 1994, Continental consistently ranked last in every measurable performance metric, including on-time performance, customer complaints and mishandled baggage. Bethune quickly assumed the role of chief executive officer in November 1994, and was elected chairman of the board of directors in September 1996. When he was finished working his magic at Continental, the airline stood at the top of the heap, ranked by Fortune magazine as the No. 1 Most Admired Global Airline. Gordon M. Bethune will speak to you from a lifetime of experience and success in one of the world’s most complex businesses. He will impress you with his unique brand of management wisdom on customer service, employee relations and motivation. Bethune will also explain how “Happiness” at every level is the unspoken key to success. |
CHIP BREAKOUT |
Benefits and Challenges of Consolidation in the Chip Industry Fewer, larger companies dominate most industries in the United States and the world. The potato chip industry is no exception. What does this mean for growers, consumers and the economic future of the industry? This session will provide solid economic analysis and knowledgeable commentary to explain the significance of continued consolidation in the Chip Industry. Joe Guenthner, PhD, Professor, Agricultural Economics, Idaho Center for Potato Research and Education
Acrylamide: Seeking an Industry Solution The lead researchers managing the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) grant project and an industry advisory committee co-chairman will discuss how this exciting research project will bring the whole industry together to seek a solution to acrylamide in potato products. A.J. Bussan, PhD, Associate Professor, Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison Gregg Halverson, President and CEO, Black Gold Farms Paul Bethke, PhD, Assistant Professor, USDA/Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Zebra Chip Update This session will review the current status of Zebra Chip disease and provide an update on the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) research project. Charlie Rush, PhD, Director, SCRI Zebra Chip Project, Texas Agrilife Research and Extension Center |
FRESH BREAKOUT |
Potatoes: The View From Inside the World of a Produce Retailer
Fresh Potatoes in Today's Marketplace - Attitudes and Purchasing Trends The numbers tell the story. The latest numbers tell the best story. How are consumers spending their food dollars and how are potatoes a part of that mix? This session provides the latest research findings on consumer attitudes and shopping behavior. Don't rely on rumors – take the opportunity to hear the latest findings on how consumers feel about potatoes and how they make their meal planning and shopping decisions. Kate Thomson, Senior Research Manager, Sterling Rice Group |
PROCESS BREAKOUT |
Eyes on Fries Mintel Foodservice Analyst Kathy Hayden will look at the outside market forces – from changing demographics and the threat of a double-dip recession, to calorie counts and other health-related legislation – influencing quick service restaurant menus. She’ll also provide proprietary consumer data showing what flavors and foods diners want in restaurants and will give insights into how fries can deliver on these preferences, from snack attacks to comfort craving. Using Mintel's Menu Insights database, which tracks flavor, ingredient, marketing and nutritional claims from the 580 US chain and independent restaurants, Hayden will also look at the menu innovations that are working for and against traditional fries on menus. Kathy Hayden, Foodservice Analyst, Mintel Menu Insights
Why Foreign Restaurant Operators Should Buy US Fries This session will demonstrate the superiority of US fries to deliver bottom line results to restaurant operators in our export markets. You will hear firsthand the compelling messages that are presented to potential buyers in target markets to build demand for US fries and increase US export sales. John Toaspern, Vice President for International Marketing, US Potato Board
Potatoes: Any Day, Any Way Americans love potatoes and French fries, but can the love affair continue? Misinformation about potatoes and French fries abounds. Hear how the recently established Alliance for Potato Research and Education Foundation (APRE) supports research to understand the facts about this nutritious, delicious vegetable and educates consumers, government officials, health practitioners, and the media about how potatoes and potato foods, like French fries, can fit into a healthy diet. Maureen Storey, PhD, President and CEO, Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) |
SEED BREAKOUT |
Acrylamide Research Project - The most recently approved SCRI research project is a coordinated national multidisciplinary effort to identify and quickly commercialize chip and fry processing varieties that will produce lower acrylamide in consumer products. Acrylamide is a substance known to produce cancer in laboratory rats and there is speculation that it may be a health concern for humans. Although potatoes are naturally acrylamide-free, acrylamide is produced during high temperature cooking of fries, chips and many other common foods. A.J. Bussan, PhD, Associate Professor, Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison Gregg Halverson, President and CEO, Black Gold Farms Paul Bethke, PhD, Assistant Professor, USDA/Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison PVY Research Project - The tuber necrotic strains of PVY are becoming increasingly present in both seed and commercial potatoes in the United States. Management of the virus has been complicated by a lack of data on the recombination of strains and on insufficient diagnostics. The current SCRI research project addresses these and other associated issues. Russ Groves, PhD, Vegetable Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chris McIntosh, PhD, Professor, Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, University of Idaho
Bacterial Ring Rot Detection Trends Bacterial ring rot continues to be a chronic disease problem facing the United States. Sporadic and economically important yield losses occur due to the presence of latent or symptomless infections. Pathogen detection technologies that focus on the detection of the ring rot bacterium in the absence of disease expression have been ongoing for over three decades. This session will discuss recent advances in the development of molecular diagnostics that have dramatically improved the detection of symptomless infections of bacterial ring rot. Neil Gudmestad, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University
Late Blight Dr. Howard Judelson will describe this project, which aims to reduce losses to late blight in potatoes and tomatoes. The five-year program involves personnel from 18 universities and research centers, conducting an integrated plan of research, extension and education. The main objective is to provide growers with improved tools for disease control. These include a national reporting website and alert tool, along with an enhanced decision support system. The project will focus on developing enhanced diagnostic tools, resistant plants, and expanded information on pathogen traits and improved disease management. Howard Judelson, PhD, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology, University of California-Riverside |
America’s Promise in Uncertain Times |
Jeb Bush's passion for big ideas and how they shape policy led to sweeping reforms in Florida while he was Governor. Bush applies this visionary understanding of the issues about the country's future by posing a few simple questions: What are the enduring American values that can provide a strong defense against tough economic times? Do today's current policies—from health care to the economy to immigration—reflect those values? And how will these policies shape the Obama Administration's agenda? Bush will treat you to a candid and informative discussion of the issues on the minds of most Americans, engaging you with the same unique perspective that has made him one of the most recognized voices in politics today. With an eye to the future, Bush will evaluate how the Obama Administration is working with a divided Congress and what it means as both political parties look to grow their influence over the electorate ahead of the 2012 elections. |
CHIP BREAKOUT |
Potato Growers and Chip Processors Confront Key Industry Issues The challenges to the potato chip industry are abundant and complex. This lively session brings growers and chip processors into a frank and fast-moving panel discussion of the solutions that can help mitigate issues such as consumer demand, federal food policy, industry profitability, production challenges, and pest and disease pressures. |
FRESH BREAKOUT |
Growing Fresh Market Potatoes-High Risk/Reward No sector of the potato industry has had the same volatile ups and downs as the fresh sector. Both the short- and long-term challenges are significant and the consequences of poor production, changes in consumer demand or ineffective marketing are damaging. This session puts key growers and shippers at the table to provide insight on opportunities to improve the performance of the fresh sector. Want to know what industry leaders in the fresh sector are thinking? You won’t want to miss this candid, free-flowing panel discussion. The State of the Economy and the Cost and Availability of Money Interest rates are low, the economic recovery crawls forward, some foreign countries hover on the brink of bankruptcy, and the United States struggles to cope with a staggering federal debt. What does all this mean for the availability and cost of your yearly operating loan? Hear firsthand what the current lending environment is like for agriculture and how the overall economic pressures will determine the cost of the money you need to operate. |
PROCESS BREAKOUT |
US Frozen Potatoes Overseas – Frozen Potato Trade: History and Vision Exports of US frozen potato products have grown 90 percent in volume and 171 precent in sales over the past 15 years. This has been the result of globalization, economic development and a concerted effort by industry officials to open and expand foreign markets. Matt Lantz, coordinator of the American Potato Trade Alliance (APTA), will discuss frozen potato trade developments over the past 15 years, including the latest export trends, the rise of competition, overcoming technical trade barriers, and how trade agreements are changing the face of exports. Matt Lantz, Manager, Trade Policy, Bryant Christie, Inc.
Harmonizing GAP Requirements Are you suffering from food safety audit fatigue? Is validating your performance on multiple Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) programs impacting your bottom line? Tired of completing multiple audits and seemingly endless recordkeeping? A group of growers, processors, handlers, and retailers supported by United Fresh Produce Association is responding to your concerns. Hear the latest about industry progress in developing a single GAP Audit that would be accepted by a wide range of value chain partners. Suresh DeCosta, Manager of Quality Systems US Supply Chain Management, McDonalds |
SEED BREAKOUT |
Seed Piece Treatment: Evaluating Formulations Sam Thornton, AgriEdge Specialist, Syngenta
Developments in Seed Technology: What’s Happening in Europe
Project: Zebra Chip First detected in Texas, this pest vectored by psyllids was believed to only impact the quality of chip potatoes and to be confined to warm climates. Subsequent experience and survey work indicates that infestations can severely impact yield and that the pest can survive in many northern growing areas. Hear the latest research results and outbreak information from researchers on the ZC frontline. Charlie Rush, PhD, Texas A&M University James M. Crosslin, PhD, Research Plant Pathologist, USDA-ARS |
Sustainability in Action – Value Chain Partners Discuss Current Activities |
While efforts to define many aspects of sustainability are underway, potato growers and their value chain partners are working together to develop sustainability programs that will directly benefit the environment, customers and the potato industry, and that help tell the positive story of agriculture. This panel is made up of fresh, chip and frozen processed growers and their value chain partners with whom they are working hand-in-hand to develop a standard, clear and accurate measure of the sustainability efforts on their farms using currently available data. |
| Friday, January 6, 2012 |
| Culinary Talks 7:30AM-9:00AM WALTER SCHEIB Former White House Executive Chef |
For eleven years, Executive Chef Walter Scheib worked out of the heart of the White House—the kitchen. Hired by Hillary Clinton to revolutionize the culinary program at the White House, Walter brought in artisanal products from all over the country, started an herb garden on the roof, and retrained the staff. As the personal chef of two first families (two terms with Clinton and one with Bush) Walter will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the White House. As the Executive Chef behind some of the most memorable State Dinners (Tony Blair, Nelson Mandela) and First Lady Luncheons (Lady Diana Spencer) Walter will share with you his personal and professional anecdotes. |
| What Do Consumers REALLY Want? How Do They Really Feel About Potatoes? 10:00AM-Noon PHIL LEMPERT, "The Supermarket Guru®" Leading food industry analyst, journalist and trend-watcher |
There is a new face in retailing and consumer products—and buyers are loving it! There are new choices in consumer products focused on health and wellness which have changed the landscape forever—and the produce department is leading the charge. In this one of a kind presentation, Phil Lempert, "The Supermarket Guru®" has reached out to his consumer panel to find out exactly what shoppers are (and are NOT) looking for from potato growers and producers. In the rapidly shifting food world, he will explain what is successful and why, and identify new opportunities for the potato industry. One of the world’s most respected consumer trends experts, who the media turns to for information on new food and beverage products and services, Phil Lempert will review key consumer factors that will lead your business to the future.
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