Potato focus: Research results among subjects at 2024 Washington-Oregon Potato Conference

KENNEWICK — Research into potato pests and disease, new labor rules in Washington and innovations in the potato industry will be among the topics covered at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference Jan. 23 through 25 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick. Most of the classes are scheduled for Jan. 24 and 25, with a Spanish-language session Jan. 25. A potato cultivar workshop and a separate presentation on innovation in agriculture are scheduled for Jan. 23. Traditionally the conference features a baked potato bar during one day of the conference, and for 2024 that’s Jan. 24. The “Flavor Chip Challenge” also is scheduled for Jan. 24; participants will be confronted with a table of different potato chips, and will be asked to identify the brands and flavors, according to the Washington State Potato Commission.