Tasmanian spud master gets global award

A lifetime dedicated to the health and prosperity of the humble potato has made Tasmanian man Kevin Clayton-Greene a veritable king of the spuds.

After decades spent researching the carb-rich tuber and finding ways to protect it from disease, Dr Clayton-Greene has received an international industry award during the World Potato Congress being held in China.

He was nominated by Ausveg boss Richard Mulcahy who said Dr Clayton-Greene's work, including some 30 research papers, has brought a range of new potato varieties to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

"(He) has advanced and evolved the Australian potato industry to ensure not only that it maximises output and grows to its full potential, but also that quality and safety is never compromised," Mr Mulcahy said.