The $1 billion Australian potato industry, which produces about 1.4 million tonnes per year, is a crucial component of Australia’s agricultural sector, playing a significant role in the nation’s economy and food security.

Like many horticultural industries, the potato industry faces a number of challenges related to economic and environmental sustainability. In response to these challenges, PotatoLink, an extension and communication project funded by Hort Innovation through the potato R&D levy, has been dedicated to advancing industry knowledge and promoting sustainable practices for the past four years. The project, led by Applied Horticultural Research (AHR), aims to enhance the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the potato industry by connecting growers and agronomists with critical information and innovative practices.

PotatoLink’s mission is to address key issues within the potato industry by disseminating crucial knowledge and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The project has developed a tailored extension and communication model designed to effectively convey information through various channels, including in-person workshops, webinars, podcasts, magazines and fact sheets. This comprehensive approach ensures that vital information reaches the industry efficiently and effectively.

Dr Gordon Rogers, project leader from AHR, emphasises the project’s core objective.

“Our goal has always been to connect the right knowledge to the right people in the right way.”

In close collaboration with industry, PotatoLink aims to address critical issues like soil and crop health, and demonstrate practical solutions such as the use of cover crops.

Engaging with stakeholders is a cornerstone of PotatoLink’s strategy. Working with growers, agronomists and scientific experts, the project provides practical solutions and demonstrates successful practices.

Continuous feedback from participants is actively sought and used to refine the project’s themes and focus areas, ensuring that PotatoLink remains responsive to evolving industry needs.

With the support of a network of local and international scientific experts, and growers willing to open their farms for demonstrations, the project has successfully reached thousands of end-users.

Implementation and impact

The impact of PotatoLink’s approach is evident through its various activities and outcomes. The project has conducted workshops across Australia’s main potato-growing regions, with more than 1,500 attendees. Notably, 94 per cent of participants reported an increase in knowledge, and 77 per cent indicated an intention to change their practices based on the information they received.

In addition to workshops, PotatoLink utilises a range of communication channels to disseminate knowledge. This includes webinars, podcasts, magazines and fact sheets, which collectively enhance the accessibility of information on soil health, crop management and efficient input use. The project’s collaborative efforts with growers and experts have facilitated on-farm demonstrations and practical applications of new practices, reaching thousands of end-users and benefiting the entire potato industry.

At the 2024 World Potato Congress (WPC) in Adelaide, PotatoLink showcased its achievements to an international audience.

AHR’s Sophia Thach’s poster presentation illustrated the impact of the project.

“Our poster demonstrates how the model functions, highlights our achievements and shows how effective extension and communication can enable the entire industry to collaborate and achieve shared outcomes,” Sophia said.

PotatoLink has proven to be a crucial initiative in driving innovation and improving knowledge within the potato industry. Through its comprehensive extension model, stakeholder engagement and iterative feedback process, the project has made substantial contributions to advancing sustainable practices and enhancing industry knowledge. The success demonstrated at the WPC underscores the project’s impact and its role in fostering a more informed and collaborative potato industry.

PotatoLink is led by Applied Horticultural Research (AHR) with funding from Hort Innovation through the potato R&D levy, supporting Australian potato growers and agronomists in adopting improved practices and staying updated on industry developments. For more information, visit potatolink.com.au.