KENNEWICK — Farmers can learn about new methods to fight insects and disease, water use and management, work rules and market conditions at the annual Washington-Oregon Potato Conference Jan. 28 to 30 at the Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. 

Along with the classes and workshops – and a baked potato bar – the conference offers a trade show that fills not one but two buildings. The Washington Potato Commission, one of the sponsors, estimated there would be more than 165 exhibitors.  

The trade show opens Jan. 28, which is the first day of workshops and classes. Some classes provide continuing education credits that can be applied toward pesticide application license requirements.  

Classes start at 8 a.m. and cover a wide variety of topics, including international trade and its effect on Pacific Northwest potatoes. First-day classes also include discussions on water and water use and work rules in Washington covering heat and wildfire smoke.  

Potatoes are always the subject of ongoing research, and farmers can learn about the latest results from cultivar trials in a workshop from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Jan. 28. The trials are conducted throughout Oregon and Washington,  

A separate workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 28 will review some of the technological innovations in agriculture, especially for potato farmers.  

Traditionally the potato conference features a wide variety of classes to give farmers tools to fight disease and pests. The two days of classes feature results of research into worms like nematodes and diseases like mop top and powdery scab.  

A Spanish-language session is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 30. Classes will feature information on insurance, mitigation for endangered species, managing risk of groundwater contamination, and pest control.  

A reception accompanies the trade show on the evening of Jan. 28. The trade show is so big – and some of the products are so big – that it spills outside. Farmers can talk to vendors that sell fertilizers, pesticides and farm equipment; irrigation companies, researchers with new potato varieties, bankers, storage companies and state agencies, among many others.  

The “Flavor Chip Challenge” returns for 2025; it’s scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 29. It’s a guessing game, figuring out the flavors and producers of different kinds of potato chips. Last year was the first year, and yes, that was a bowl of pickle potato chips – but who made them? And was that honey mustard potato chips? It was indeed. 

The baked potato bar also returns Jan. 29. It’s free for attendees. A hosted luncheon is scheduled for Jan. 30. 

The annual conference banquet is scheduled for Jan. 29. Along with recognizing industry leaders, the banquet benefits the Washington State Potato Foundation. 

    Varieties of potatoes on display at the 2023 Washington-Oregon Potato Conference.
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    A participant in the “Flavor Chip Challenge” looks over the entries at the 2024 potato conference.
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    Conference attendees took advantage of the baked potato bar at the 2024 conference. Potato conference 2025 is at the end of January. The 2025 conference will open Jan. 28.
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    Professional Chef Ben Leonard prepares to hand out roasted potatoes at the start of a class on how to make gnocchi at the 2023 Washington-Oregon Potato Conference
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    Attendees of all ages could be found at the 2024 potato conference.
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