The annual Potatoes SA dinner was held at National Wine Centre in Adelaide on Friday night, where it was revealed that Adelaide will host the 2023 World Potato Congress.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone made the announcement at the dinner, which was attended by about 150 industry members.
"The Congress is an opportunity to showcase to an international audience why SA is a leader in the potato industry," he said.
"I'd like to congratulate Potatoes SA on the hard work they put in to leading a successful bid for this major event.
"We all know how important the potato industry is to the SA economy, but it is important to realise that we don't grow potatoes in Adelaide, we grow potatoes in the regions of the state, and so the regions are the engine room," he said.
Potatoes SA chief executive officer Robbie Davis said she was "honoured and thrilled" that Adelaide would be host of the biennial conference.
"The World Potato Congress is a huge win for us, it's a win for the industry, it's a win for Australia, and it's a win for South Australia," she said.
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"We will be proud to demonstrate clever technology from the Australian paddock to the global plate."
The annual auction of new-season baby potatoes was also held on the night, with bids being taken by Elders' Tom Penna.
A fierce bidding competition eventually ended with the successful bid of $11,500 coming jointly from Elders, Thomas Foods International, and Mitolo Group.
The proceeds were donated to the Little Heroes Foundation, which provides support to seriously ill children and their families.
Stock Journal's CLAIRE HARRIS went along to the event and took these photographs.
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