The potato industry is changing faster than ever before. Climate pressure, rising production costs, seed availability, processing demand, and market consolidation are forcing growers and processors to rethink old models. Against this backdrop, the International Potato Tour (IPT) and the round table “Potato Grower 2.0” brought together professionals who are not waiting for change — they are shaping it.
Farmers, processors, seed producers, agri-tech suppliers, and representatives of industry unions from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries gathered for an open, practical discussion about the future of potato farming. The focus was not on presentations or official statements, but on real experience, working solutions, and honest dialogue.
A Meeting of the Second Generation of Agribusiness Leaders
“Potato Grower 2.0” is not just a name — it reflects a new mindset. This is a generation of agricultural professionals who see potato farming not as a single operation, but as a value chain: seed production, cultivation, storage, processing, logistics, retail, and international cooperation.
Participants shared how large agroholdings manage tens of thousands of hectares and supply federal retail chains, while family farms described their journey from crisis to renewed growth. The discussion highlighted that scale alone does not define success — integration, technology, and cooperation do.
Seeds, Technology, and Processing at the Core
A significant part of the conversation focused on seed potatoes and biotechnology. Speakers emphasized that access to high-quality, elite seeds is becoming a decisive factor for stable yields and predictable quality. Experiences from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan demonstrated how investment in seed production and breeding pays off even under challenging climatic conditions.
Processing was another central theme. From washed and vacuum-packed potatoes to boiled products, frozen formats, and even chip production in remote regions, participants showed how value-added processing allows farms to reduce risks and work directly with retail and food service markets.
Equipment manufacturers and technology providers discussed solutions for sorting, washing, storage, and processing — not as standalone products, but as part of integrated systems adapted to regional realities.
Central Asia: Growth, Climate, and Cooperation
Special attention was given to Central Asia. Kazakhstan shared experience in large-scale irrigation projects covering thousands of hectares, while Uzbekistan demonstrated how potato production can be organized under extreme climatic conditions with year-round planting cycles.
Rather than competition, the discussion emphasized cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint development of seed and processing projects.
Industry Unions and Community Matter
Representatives of potato unions and associations underlined the importance of professional communities. Industry organizations play a key role in dialogue with governments, standardization, education, and protecting the interests of growers and processors.
At the same time, participants stressed that media platforms and open communication are becoming just as important. Potatoes today are not only an agricultural product, but also a topic for professional discussion, education, and global networking.
International Potato Tour: No Sales, Only Dialogue
What made this meeting stand out was its format. The International Potato Tour is built on a simple principle: no sales pitches — only dialogue. Partners such as Avgust participated not to promote products, but to listen, exchange views, and understand real needs of the industry.
This approach creates trust and leads to meaningful partnerships rather than short-term transactions.
Looking Forward
The “Potato Grower 2.0” round table showed that the future of the potato industry lies in integration, openness, and cooperation across borders. From seeds and technology to processing and professional communities, the industry is moving toward a more connected and resilient model.
The International Potato Tour continues to unite those who grow, process, and develop potatoes as a global crop — building a stronger, smarter, and more transparent industry for the years ahead.
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