NAPSO Storage Symposium energizes PAA 2025 with strong attendance and grower engagement
Growers, researchers, and industry leaders praised the event for its practical insights, audience interaction, and innovative format, reinforcing the importance of storage-focused dialogue at PAA.
August 28, 2025: The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) is pleased to announce the resounding success of its Potato Storage Symposium held during the recent Potato Association of America (PAA) Annual Meeting in the last week of July. The event drew strong attendance and delivered engaging dialogue, practical insights, and meaningful connections between growers, researchers, and industry leaders.
Members of the NAPSO PAA Sub-Committee reflected positively on the symposium, highlighting its value to the potato storage community:
- Todd Forbush emphasized that the symposium provided a positive exchange with growers, speakers, and the panel, creating a collaborative atmosphere that advanced storage knowledge.
- Darin Gibson noted that it was a positive experience tailored to the needs of storage growers, underscoring the relevance of the discussions to real-world challenges.
- Nathan Gelles was excited by the fact that the NAPSO symposium brought up attendance significantly and really spiced up the overall event, demonstrating the appetite for focused dialogue on storage issues.
- Bill Orr described the symposium as upbeat, with a great deal of audience interaction. He also praised the accompanying storage tour as very good and highly informative.
- Kristie Steffen, attending the PAA meeting for the first time, remarked that NAPSO did a great job, and that growers were not shy about asking questions, reflecting the openness of the exchange.
- Jacob Blauer shared that PAA provided a lot of positive feedback. He highlighted excitement around the strong attendance numbers, the success of the 1-day registration format, and noted that the PAA Pathology Section might have an interest to host the symposium in 2026.
The event affirmed NAPSO’s commitment to advancing safe, efficient, and innovative potato storage practices across North America and beyond. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, the symposium has set a strong precedent for future engagement at the PAA.
For more information about NAPSO and its initiatives, visit www.napso.info
Source: North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO)
Image: Credit Allan Parker
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A Day to Remember: PAA/NAPSO Potato Storage Symposium Photo Gallery
July 29, 2025: Held in Madison, Wisconsin on July 28, 2025, the first-ever national and international Potato Storage Symposium – hosted by NAPSO in partnership with the Potato Association of America (PAA) – was a remarkable gathering of growers, storage managers, researchers, and industry leaders from across North America and beyond.
The energy in the room was unmistakable, the conversations insightful, and the connections made truly valuable.
Below is a visual snapshot of this landmark event – capturing not just the sessions, storage tour, but also the faces, moments, and shared enthusiasm that made this event historic and unforgettable for all attendees.
A special thanks to everyone who attended, to the speakers, and the organizers who helped to bring this vision to life! Truly remarkable…
And of course: a special shoutout to our sponsors for their much appreciated and generous contributions to help make this happen! Thank you so very much… In alphabetical order:
AgriStor
Cellar Insights
Gorman Controls
Techmark
Wenta Nip & Sanitizing
Says Dr. Addie Waxman, co-founder of NAPSO: “NAPSO held its first ever in-person Potato Storage Symposium at the PAA yesterday afternoon. The room was packed! We had 44 growers and industry reps take advantage of the 1-day rate, increasing the PAA overall attendance. The speakers and panel were SPOT-ON with their talks.
“Todd Forbush, Amber Walker, and Gustavo Teixeria were outstanding in their roles of introductions, MC, and moderator. And our break snacks were a big hit (WI Cheese and Meat Tray, 4 flavors of freshly baked cookies, and 3 beverages).”
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Potato Storage Symposium
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NAPSO Potato Storage Tour
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Storing potatoes safe and profitable: NAPSO calls on growers to join upcoming storage conversation during PAA/NAPSO Storage Symposium
NAPSO and PAA host vital expert-led discussions on solving today’s toughest post-harvest storage problems.
July 22, 2025: As the date draws near for the inaugural NAPSO Storage Symposium, the North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) is issuing a final call to potato professionals to register for this first-of-its-kind event, taking place Monday, July 28, during the Potato Association of America’s (PAA) 2025 Annual Meeting in Madison, Wisconsin.
This timely and targeted symposium will unite growers, storage managers, researchers, allied service providers, and industry leaders to confront the critical issues shaping the future of potato storage in North America.
“Storage is the linchpin between harvest and the market, and the pressures on that linchpin — from climate extremes to tighter margins and stricter quality standards — are only intensifying,” says Dr. Addie Waxman, co-founder of NAPSO and McCain Foods North America Potato Storage Manager.
“The time is right to create space for open, technical, and forward-looking conversations about the reality of potato storage today — and where it’s headed.”
A Timely Gathering to Address an Overdue Conversation
As noted in the recent article “Potato Storage at the Crossroads”, published on the NAPSO website, North American potato storage is confronting a convergence of disruptive forces:
- Rising input and energy costs
- Increased risks of storage losses due to variable quality and climate volatility
- Changing regulations, technologies, and sustainability expectations
- Labor shortages and generational transitions in on-farm storage management
Rather than simply outlining these challenges, the July 28 symposium aims to spark constructive dialogue, share best practices, and identify strategic pathways for collaborative innovation.
Symposium Highlights
- Date & Time: Monday, July 28, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Location: Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, Madison, WI
- Hosted by: The North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO), in partnership with the Potato Association of America (PAA)
Key components of the event include:
- A focused, half-day program designed to fit within the broader PAA conference schedule
- Technical discussions on post-harvest storage chemistry, design innovations, and the regulatory landscape
- A keynote address by Kürt Demeulemeester, working at Inagro in Belgium, and Vice-President of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR) – who will present on “The European Experience in Storing Potatoes”
- Opportunities for Q&A and direct engagement with thought leaders and solution providers
Expanding the Dialogue — and the Network
This symposium is more than a standalone event — it marks the beginning of a broader movement to elevate storage as a strategic priority in the North American potato sector.
2025 also marks a pivotal year for NAPSO as the organization explores expanding its focus to include onion storage under the working title NAPSO+. The Storage Symposium will be a key venue for gathering feedback on this direction and encouraging broader industry engagement.
“We’re committed to building an organization that offers real-world value and isn’t just another name on paper,” Dr. Waxman emphasizes. “Growers and storage operators need support, science, and solidarity — and we hope this event will strengthen the relationships and resolve needed to deliver that.”
Join the Conversation
Attendance is open to all PAA conference participants, with a single-day registration option available for Monday, July 28 at a fee of only $149. Registration and agenda details can be found at the official PAA 2025 meeting site:
www.potatoassociation.org/Events/PAA2025/Pages/default.aspx#Symposium
For questions or media inquiries, please contact Emily Merk, Communications Coordinator for NAPSO, on contact.napso@gmail.com. This is your chance to lend your voice to the future of North American potato storage — and help ensure it’s one built on knowledge, collaboration, and farmer-first solutions!
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Potato storage at the crossroads: PAA and NAPSO to host landmark Storage Symposium in Wisconsin
Tackling post-harvest challenges through collaboration, research, and global insight.
May 20, 2025: The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) is pleased to announce it will be co-hosting a Technical Storage Symposium during the upcoming Potato Association of America (PAA) Annual Meeting, scheduled for July 28, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin.
This pivotal event is organized in collaboration with the PAA Utilization and Marketing Section and marks a significant gathering of the foremost minds in potato storage science, engineering, and commercial application. The 2025 symposium aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps and foster dialogue across the spectrum of storage-related disciplines.
Focus on Innovation and Practical Solutions
The 2025 PAA Storage Symposium will convene leading experts from academia, industry, and global research institutions, each of whom will address cutting-edge advancements in:
- Post-harvest storage chemistry – exploring the biochemical dynamics that influence dormancy, sprout inhibition, and quality retention.
- Structural design and engineering of modern storage facilities – emphasizing airflow optimization, moisture control, and energy efficiency.
- Regulatory shifts and market-driven standards – highlighting how evolving food safety, climate, and environmental guidelines are reshaping storage protocols.
The event is especially timely as the potato sector continues to confront climate volatility, shifting market pressures, and the demand for more sustainable and resilient storage practices.
An Initiative Backed by Collaboration
The inclusion of NAPSO as a co-host underscores the organization’s growing role in promoting storage best practices, knowledge exchange, and technical education throughout North America and beyond.
“NAPSO’s involvement in the PAA 2025 Symposium is both a milestone and a mission moment,” says one of the organizers. “Our goal is to elevate storage knowledge, encourage cross-sector innovation, and ensure that everyone from researchers to growers and facility managers has access to the latest science-backed insights.”
PAA / NAPSO Potato Storage Symposium
Order of presentation:
Introduction to NAPSO (Speaker TBD)………………. 2:00 to 2:10
Kurt Demeulemeester, Inagro, Belgium – International Guest Speaker………………. 2:10 to 3:10 (1 hour – 45 minutes talk with 15 minutes for questions)
Nora Olsen/Jeff Miller………………. 3:10 to 3:50 (40 minutes)
BREAK ………………. 3:50 to 4:10 (20 minutes)
Mark Rice ………………. 4:10 to 4:40 (30 minutes)
Storage Panel ………………. 4:40 to 5:30 (50 minutes)
Dale Nelson – Co-owner of Nelson Vegetable Storing Systems
Morgan Smolerak – Field Manager of McCain Foods, WI
AJ Bussan – Agronomists for Wysocki Farms
Gustavo Teixeria (Moderator) – University of Idaho
Further Information
Industry professionals, researchers, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the full PAA Annual Meeting and especially the July 28 Storage Symposium. Additional information, including registration details and travel planning resources, can be found on the PAA 2025 Annual Meeting page:
https://www.potatoassociation.org/Events/PAA2025/Pages/default.aspx#Symposium. Or get in touch with NAPSO Communications Coordinator, Emily Merk – contact.napso@gmail.com
A one-day registration fee of only $149 will be charged for those who only want to attend the Storage Symposium.
Access the flyer at the end of this page also as a pdf file here.
Source: North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO)
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Entreposage de pommes de terre à la croisée des chemins : La PAA et la NAPSO organiseront un symposium historique sur le stockage au Wisconsin
Relever les défis post-récolte grâce à la collaboration, à la recherche et à une perspective mondiale
L’Organisation nord-américaine pour l’entreposage de pommes de terre (NAPSO) est heureuse d’annoncer qu’elle coorganisera un Symposium technique sur le stockage dans le cadre du congrès annuel de la Potato Association of America (PAA), prévu le 28 juillet 2025 à Madison, au Wisconsin.
Cet événement d’envergure est organisé en collaboration avec la Section Utilisation et Commercialisation de la PAA. Il réunira des sommités du domaine de la science du stockage de la pomme de terre, de l’ingénierie, ainsi que de l’application commerciale. Le symposium 2025 vise à combler des lacunes critiques en matière de connaissances et à encourager le dialogue entre les différentes disciplines liées à l’entreposage.
Mettre l’accent sur l’innovation et les solutions pratiques
Le Symposium sur le stockage de la PAA 2025 rassemblera des experts de renom issus du milieu universitaire, de l’industrie et d’institutions de recherche internationales. Chaque intervenant abordera des avancées de pointe dans les domaines suivants :
- Chimie post-récolte du stockage : une exploration des dynamiques biochimiques qui influencent la dormance, l’inhibition de la germination et la conservation de la qualité.
- Conception et ingénierie des installations de stockage modernes : avec un accent sur l’optimisation du flux d’air, le contrôle de l’humidité et l’efficacité énergétique.
- Évolutions réglementaires et normes dictées par le marché : comment les lignes directrices en matière de sécurité alimentaire, de climat et d’environnement redéfinissent les protocoles d’entreposage.
Cet événement s’avère particulièrement opportun alors que le secteur de la pomme de terre continue de faire face à une volatilité climatique croissante, à des pressions commerciales changeantes, et à une demande croissante pour des pratiques de stockage plus durables et résilientes.
Une initiative portée par la collaboration
La participation de la NAPSO en tant que coorganisatrice souligne son rôle grandissant dans la promotion des meilleures pratiques de stockage, le partage des connaissances et la formation technique en Amérique du Nord et au-delà.
« La participation de la NAPSO au Symposium PAA 2025 représente à la fois une étape marquante et un moment décisif », déclare l’un des organisateurs. « Notre objectif est d’élever le niveau de connaissance sur le stockage, de stimuler l’innovation intersectorielle, et de garantir que tous – des chercheurs aux producteurs en passant par les gestionnaires d’installations – aient accès aux toutes dernières données scientifiques. »
Symposium sur l’entreposage des pommes de terre PAA / NAPSO
Ordre des présentations :
- Introduction à la NAPSO (Conférencier à confirmer) ………………. 14 h 00 à 14 h 10
- Kurt Demeulemeester, Inagro, Belgique – Conférencier invité international ………………. 14 h 10 à 15 h 10
(1 heure : 45 minutes de présentation, 15 minutes de questions) - Nora Olsen / Jeff Miller ………………. 15 h 10 à 15 h 50 (40 minutes)
PAUSE ………………. 15 h 50 à 16 h 10 (20 minutes)
- Mark Rice ………………. 16 h 10 à 16 h 40 (30 minutes)
- Panel sur le stockage ………………. 16 h 40 à 17 h 30 (50 minutes)
- Dale Nelson – copropriétaire, Nelson Vegetable Storing Systems
- Morgan Smolerak – gestionnaire de terrain, McCain Foods, WI
- AJ Bussan – agronome, Wysocki Farms
- Gustavo Teixeira (modérateur) – Université de l’Idaho
Informations supplémentaires
Les professionnels de l’industrie, les chercheurs et les parties prenantes sont vivement encouragés à assister à l’ensemble du congrès annuel de la PAA, et tout particulièrement au Symposium sur le stockage du 28 juillet.
Des renseignements additionnels, y compris les détails sur l’inscription et la planification du voyage, sont disponibles sur la page officielle du congrès 2025 de la PAA :
https://www.potatoassociation.org/Events/PAA2025/Pages/default.aspx#Symposium
Vous pouvez également contacter directement la coordonnatrice des communications de la NAPSO, Emily Merk, à l’adresse : contact.napso@gmail.com
Frais d’inscription d’un jour : seulement 149 $ CAD pour assister exclusivement au Symposium sur le stockage.
Consultez aussi le flyer ci-dessous, disponible en format PDF.
Source : Organisation nord-américaine pour l’entreposage de pommes de terre (NAPSO)
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El almacenamiento de papas en una encrucijada: PAA y NAPSO organizarán un simposio histórico sobre almacenamiento en Wisconsin
Afrontando los desafíos postcosecha mediante la colaboración, la investigación y una visión global
La Organización Norteamericana para el Almacenamiento de Papas (NAPSO) se complace en anunciar que será coanfitriona de un Simposio Técnico sobre Almacenamiento durante la próxima Reunión Anual de la Asociación de la Papa de América (PAA), programada para el 28 de julio de 2025 en Madison, Wisconsin.
Este evento clave, organizado en colaboración con la Sección de Utilización y Comercialización de la PAA, representa un encuentro significativo entre las mentes más destacadas en ciencia del almacenamiento de papa, ingeniería y aplicación comercial. El simposio 2025 tiene como objetivo cerrar brechas críticas de conocimiento y fomentar el diálogo en todo el espectro de disciplinas relacionadas con el almacenamiento.
Enfoque en innovación y soluciones prácticas
El Simposio de Almacenamiento de la PAA 2025 reunirá a expertos líderes provenientes del ámbito académico, la industria y centros de investigación internacionales, quienes abordarán los avances más recientes en:
- Química del almacenamiento postcosecha – explorando las dinámicas bioquímicas que influyen en la dormancia, la inhibición de brotes y la conservación de la calidad.
- Diseño estructural e ingeniería de instalaciones modernas de almacenamiento – con énfasis en la optimización del flujo de aire, el control de la humedad y la eficiencia energética.
- Cambios regulatorios y normas impulsadas por el mercado – destacando cómo las directrices emergentes en seguridad alimentaria, clima y medio ambiente están redefiniendo los protocolos de almacenamiento.
Este evento resulta especialmente oportuno, ya que el sector papero continúa enfrentando la volatilidad climática, la presión de los mercados cambiantes y la creciente demanda de prácticas de almacenamiento más sostenibles y resilientes.
Una iniciativa respaldada por la colaboración
La inclusión de NAPSO como coorganizador subraya el papel cada vez más importante de la organización en la promoción de buenas prácticas de almacenamiento, el intercambio de conocimientos y la formación técnica en América del Norte y más allá.
“La participación de NAPSO en el Simposio PAA 2025 representa tanto un hito como un momento de misión”, señala uno de los organizadores. “Nuestro objetivo es elevar el nivel de conocimiento sobre almacenamiento, fomentar la innovación intersectorial y asegurar que todos —desde investigadores hasta productores y responsables de instalaciones— tengan acceso a los conocimientos más recientes respaldados por la ciencia.”
Simposio de Almacenamiento de Papas PAA / NAPSO
Orden de presentaciones:
- Introducción a NAPSO (ponente por confirmar) ………………. 14:00 a 14:10
- Kurt Demeulemeester, Inagro, Bélgica – Ponente internacional invitado ………………. 14:10 a 15:10
(1 hora: 45 minutos de presentación y 15 minutos para preguntas) - Nora Olsen / Jeff Miller ………………. 15:10 a 15:50 (40 minutos)
PAUSA ………………. 15:50 a 16:10 (20 minutos)
- Mark Rice ………………. 16:10 a 16:40 (30 minutos)
- Panel sobre almacenamiento ………………. 16:40 a 17:30 (50 minutos)
- Dale Nelson – Copropietario de Nelson Vegetable Storing Systems
- Morgan Smolerak – Gerente de campo, McCain Foods, WI
- AJ Bussan – Agrónomo, Wysocki Farms
- Gustavo Teixeira (Moderador) – Universidad de Idaho
Más información
Se alienta a los profesionales del sector, investigadores y actores interesados a asistir a la Reunión Anual completa de la PAA, y especialmente al Simposio de Almacenamiento del 28 de julio.
Información adicional, incluidos detalles sobre inscripción y planificación de viajes, está disponible en la página oficial del evento PAA 2025:
https://www.potatoassociation.org/Events/PAA2025/Pages/default.aspx#Symposium
También puede contactar directamente a la Coordinadora de Comunicaciones de NAPSO, Emily Merk, al correo electrónico: contact.napso@gmail.com
La tarifa de inscripción por un solo día es de solo 149 dólares para quienes deseen asistir únicamente al Simposio sobre Almacenamiento.
Puede acceder al folleto también en formato PDF a través del siguiente enlace.
Fuente: North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO)
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Aardappelopslag op een kruispunt: PAA en NAPSO organiseren mijlpaal-symposium in Wisconsin
Post-harvest uitdagingen aanpakken via samenwerking, onderzoek en wereldwijde inzichten
De North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) is verheugd aan te kondigen dat zij een Technisch Opslagsymposium zal meeorganiseren tijdens de jaarlijkse bijeenkomst van de Potato Association of America (PAA), die plaatsvindt op 28 juli 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Dit belangrijke evenement wordt georganiseerd in samenwerking met de PAA Utilization and Marketing Section en brengt enkele van de meest vooraanstaande experts op het gebied van aardappelopslag, techniek en commerciële toepassingen samen. Het symposium van 2025 is erop gericht om kritieke kennishiaten te overbruggen en de dialoog tussen de verschillende disciplines binnen het opslagdomein te bevorderen.
Focus op innovatie en praktische oplossingen
Het PAA Opslagsymposium 2025 zal toonaangevende deskundigen uit de academische wereld, de industrie en internationale onderzoeksinstellingen samenbrengen. Elk van hen zal recente ontwikkelingen bespreken op het gebied van:
- Post-harvest opslagchemie – een blik op de biochemische processen die invloed hebben op dormantie, kiemremming en kwaliteitsbehoud
- Structuurontwerp en techniek van moderne opslagfaciliteiten – met aandacht voor luchtstroomoptimalisatie, vochtbeheersing en energie-efficiëntie
- Regelgevingsveranderingen en marktnormen – hoe evoluerende richtlijnen op het gebied van voedselveiligheid, klimaat en milieu de opslagpraktijken beïnvloeden
Dit evenement is bijzonder actueel, aangezien de aardappelsector blijft worstelen met klimaatvolatiliteit, veranderende marktdruk en de noodzaak voor duurzamere en veerkrachtigere opslagmethoden.
Een initiatief gedreven door samenwerking
De rol van NAPSO als medeorganisator onderstreept de groeiende invloed van de organisatie bij het promoten van best practices, kennisdeling en technische scholing in Noord-Amerika en daarbuiten.
“De deelname van NAPSO aan het PAA 2025 Symposium is zowel een mijlpaal als een missiegedreven moment”, aldus een van de organisatoren. “Ons doel is om opslagkennis naar een hoger niveau te tillen, innovatie tussen sectoren te stimuleren en ervoor te zorgen dat iedereen – van onderzoekers tot telers en opslagbeheerders – toegang heeft tot de meest actuele, wetenschappelijk onderbouwde inzichten.”
PAA / NAPSO Aardappelopslagsymposium
Programma van presentaties:
- Introductie tot NAPSO (Spreker nog te bepalen) ………………. 14:00 tot 14:10
- Kurt Demeulemeester, Inagro, België – Internationale gastspreker ………………. 14:10 tot 15:10
(1 uur: 45 minuten presentatie, 15 minuten vragenronde) - Nora Olsen / Jeff Miller ………………. 15:10 tot 15:50 (40 minuten)
PAUZE ………………. 15:50 tot 16:10 (20 minuten)
- Mark Rice ………………. 16:10 tot 16:40 (30 minuten)
- Opslagpanel ………………. 16:40 tot 17:30 (50 minuten)
- Dale Nelson – mede-eigenaar, Nelson Vegetable Storing Systems
- Morgan Smolerak – veldmanager, McCain Foods, WI
- AJ Bussan – agronoom, Wysocki Farms
- Gustavo Teixeira (moderator) – University of Idaho
Meer informatie
Professionals uit de industrie, onderzoekers en andere belanghebbenden worden van harte uitgenodigd om deel te nemen aan de volledige jaarlijkse bijeenkomst van de PAA, met speciale aandacht voor het Opslagsymposium op 28 juli.
Meer informatie, inclusief details over registratie en reisplanning, is beschikbaar op de officiële PAA 2025 congrespagina:
https://www.potatoassociation.org/Events/PAA2025/Pages/default.aspx#Symposium
Voor verdere vragen kunt u contact opnemen met de communicatiemedewerker van NAPSO, Emily Merk: contact.napso@gmail.com
Dagregistratie: slechts 149 CAD voor wie uitsluitend het Opslagsymposium wil bijwonen.
Bekijk ook de flyer hieronder, beschikbaar als PDF-bestand.
Bron: North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO)
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