The potato industry is facing unprecedented challenges: climate change, emerging pests and diseases, evolving consumer expectations, and increasing market demands. Meeting these challenges requires innovation that is both rapid and sustainable. This session will explore a new public–private partnership framework designed to accelerate potato breeding and deliver novel varieties to the marketplace.
Leaders from Michigan State University, the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, and global breeding company Norika will share how their collaboration is shaping the future of potato research, with outcomes that include co-developed intellectual property, revenue generation, scientific advancements, industry growth, and expanded educational opportunities. Panelists will discuss both the potential value and the roadblocks—such as consumer acceptance, regulatory hurdles, and organizational alignment—that must be addressed to ensure success.
Join this dynamic discussion to learn how cross-sector collaboration can drive meaningful impact for growers, processors, and consumers, and how this model might inspire similar partnerships across the agricultural landscape.
• Learn how a public–private partnership can accelerate potato breeding and variety development.
• Explore the value of shared intellectual property and revenue generation for long-term industry growth.
• Understand strategies to overcome roadblocks such as consumer acceptance, regulatory hurdles, and leadership alignment.
• Discover how collaborative frameworks create opportunities for education, scientific advancement, and grower success.
Moderator: Chris Long, Potato Extension Specialist, Michigan State University, and Managing Director, Norika America
Panelists: David Douches, Ph.D., Potato Breeder and Geneticist, Michigan State University
Kelly Turner, Ed.D., CAE, Executive Director, Michigan Potato Industry Commission
Theodor von Hahn, Director, Norika Germany