The World Potato Congress Inc. has appointed Tomasz Bieńkowski in a key role as an international advisor. 

Tomasz Bieńkowski, PhD, is a specialist in the field of plant production, in particular breeding and seed production of cereals and potatoes. Since 2000, he has served as the president and owner of CN Nidzica - one of the largest seed and breeding enterprises in Poland. At the same time, he is a farmer, running a specialized commercial seed farm.

In the years 2007-2013, Tomasz has led the way on many initiatives. He is co-founder and president of the Polish Potato Federation and has served as an expert under the 7th EU framework program - AGREE. He is an active member of Europatat including the seed committee and European committee on Rules & Practices of the Inter-European Trade in Potatoes (RUCIP), founder of the first RUCIP representative office in Poland.

For several years, Tomasz has co-organized and served as commissioner of the international POTATO POLAND fair - one of the most important events in the international potato industry and co-organizer of the Polish Potato Congress. 

As one of the co-creators of Polish potato program 2020-2025, he has also initiated the establishment of the Polish Parliamentary Team for the Development of the Potato Industry. He serves to promote Polish and European agri-food products, not only on the domestic but also on the international markets.

In welcoming Tomasz, president of the World Potato Congress, Peter VanderZaag, speaks to the valued input Tomasz will bring to the WPC. “WPC is ramping up the planning for the World Potato Congress in Gdańsk, Poland, set for June 2026 and Tomasz has played a key role in this region of Europe to help bring the Congress to Poland. His knowledge and expertise in both the potato sector in this region, as well as his many affiliations within the European potato landscape will ensure the voices from this region are heard at the WPC discussion table.”

Source:  World Potato Congress September 22, 2024 news release