LAST year the UK government revealed its AI Action Plan – a road map that promises a sovereign AI drive by 2030, AI-embedding in the public sector and growth encouragement in the private sector.
The more accustomed we become to AI – and the more familiar we are with its capabilities – the more possibilities are arising for AI to generate growth in less “obvious” industries.
The potato industry is amongst those industries whose future will be affected by AI, and it is already seeing changes on a local and national level according to specialists, who say it capacity to adapt, and business leaders’ willingness to embrace the changes, mean it is well placed to thrive over the next decade.
Recent industry advancements
Ashleigh Patterson, a funding consultant with specialist knowledge in the fields of AI and potato growing at ABGi, a specialist in innovation funding and management consulting, discussed how recent advances in AI are beginning to make a real impact across the British potato industry – from how the potato crops are grown in the field to how they’re stored, processed, and delivered.
“One particularly exciting development is the use of AI-powered platforms, like FIRST Potato, which help farmers make smarter decisions about irrigation, fertilisers, and disease control. By analysing data from satellites, weather forecasts and soil sensors, these systems give growers tailored advice for each field,” Ashleigh said.
“Early results show not only better yields, but also reduced use of water and chemicals. This is great news for both farmers and the environment, representing an important shift toward more sustainable and regenerative practices.
“We’re also seeing big changes in how potatoes are planted and harvested owing to AI technologies like ground-penetrating radar and wireless soil sensors (like the Soiltech “electronic potato”, which even resembles a potato in appearance) are being used to monitor tuber growth underground. Combined with AI, these tools can help growers decide exactly when to harvest, reducing waste and crop damage.
At the same time, autonomous tractors and robotic equipment are becoming more capable of handling routine tasks like soil prep and planting which helps growers and other businesses in the supply chain to tackle labour shortages and improve overall efficiency, Ashleigh added.
[sub heading] Automation and the labour gap
There is already a growing use of automation in processing and packing and, with the industry facing continued labour shortages, investment in advanced machinery is going to be something most businesses will need to take on board to keep up with customer demand and to maintain quality of product, she said.
“Modern processing lines can now use high-speed optical sorters that can spot blemishes, rot or irregularly-sized potatoes in real time – something that previously required manual sorting. Not only does this reduce the time and labour required, but it also improves product consistency across large volumes.
“Automated washers, peelers and robotic palletisers are also helping to speed up processes, while maintaining hygiene and safety. For many companies, this shift to automation isn’t just about reducing costs, it’s about being able to adapt quickly to retailer needs and handle bigger volumes, without compromising on quality.”
Newer harvesters and self-propelled machines are faster, more precise and designed to be lighter on the soil to avoid soil compaction, a major concern in potato farming, while some machines come with built-in self-cleaning or grading features, cutting down on the number of times potatoes need to be handled and preserving tuber quality straight from the field.
Ashleigh said: “We’re also seeing more electric and hybrid machines being introduced, which not only help reduce fuel costs but also lower emissions, supporting wider sustainability goals. Ultimately, these improvements are helping the whole potato supply chain become more efficient, resilient, and better prepared for any challenges ahead.”
AI in the supply chain
AI is already impacting the potato farming lifecycle, from initial planting, right through to post-harvest processes, as well as post-harvesting processes such as storage and distribution. Smart storage systems are also being developed to keep track of conditions like temperature, CO₂ levels and sprouting risk, helping to reduce spoilage and maintain quality for longer.
Its impact doesn’t stop there, Ashleigh said.
“AI tools are even beginning to coordinate logistics by combining crop readiness data with market demand and weather patterns, ultimately reducing waste and making supply chains more responsive and cost-effective,” she said.
“Looking ahead, AI is making it easier to identify and manage potato crop diseases. New tools using drones and advanced image recognition can scan entire fields and pick up early signs of problems like blight or viruses, often before they’re even visible to the human eye. This means farmers can act quickly and target treatments more precisely, saving time and reducing chemical use.
“At the same time, researchers are combining AI with microbiome analysis (looking at the microscopic organisms living on and around seed potatoes) to predict how well a crop will perform in different conditions. When this is paired with advances in precision breeding, it opens the door to selecting the most resilient seed stock for each field.
“In other words, growers could soon choose not just the best potato variety, but the best version of that variety for their specific soil and climate,” says Ashleigh. “This would ultimately boost yields and reduce the risk of disease from the very beginning of potato production.”
Local and national impacts
On a national scale, the British potato industry is going through a period of significant transformation, with new technologies and sustainability demands pushing it in new directions. Those who don’t embrace the change risk getting left behind, Ashleigh said.
“Across the country, potato farmers are increasingly using tools like GPS-guided tractors, drones, and soil sensors to better understand what’s happening in their fields and make smarter decisions.
“This kind of precision farming means crops get exactly what they need, which helps improve yields while cutting down on waste, cost, and environmental impact,” Ashleigh said. “At the same time, big processors like McCain are modernising their factories with smart automation and energy-efficient frying/freezing systems, helping them keep up with demand while using fewer resources.
“All of this means the industry is becoming more efficient, more resilient to challenges like climate change or rising input costs, and better prepared for the future.”
On a local level, the impact is equally promising, particularly in Lincolnshire and East Anglia where growers are experimenting with disease-resistant potato varieties and investing in new storage systems that keep crops fresh for longer without relying on chemicals, she added.
“Small and medium-sized local processors are starting to use smarter machines and digital tracking tools to help improve quality and reduce waste. With more support from Agri-tech hubs and rural innovation centres, even smaller farms are finding ways to bring in new tech that fits their needs and budgets.
“Additionally, rural growers and processors are teaming up via shared transport systems to cut costs, reduce food miles, and make the whole supply chain run more smoothly and efficiently at a local level.
“It’s an exciting time for the potato sector when it comes to AI developments,” Ashleigh said. “In short, the future of the British potato industry looks a lot smarter and more connected. Not just in terms of technology, but also in terms of how different parts of the supply chain work together.
Ashleigh said that if the potato industry continues to embrace innovation and sustainability, it’s well-placed to thrive in the years ahead.
“Ultimately, AI is helping to create a smarter future for the British potato industry – one where data and technology can work hand in hand at every stage of production. This will lead to improved yields, lower input use, and a more resilient, sustainable supply chain from field to fork.”
BUSINESSES looking at AI’s rapid development need to keep several critical considerations in mind, according to funding consultant Ashleigh Patterson.
“First and foremost, companies must be aware of their ethical and legal responsibilities. AI systems can inadvertently embed biases or make unfair decisions, so firms must have a framework in place to guard against ‘algorithmic bias’ and discrimination,” he said.
“Data privacy is another paramount concern. Companies must comply with data protection laws and use data ethically while being aware of the reputational and cybersecurity risks the technology poses. Misuse of AI, like generating deepfake content or violating IP rights, can harm a company’s brand.
“Another key point is the need for cohesion over AI governance and strategy,” he added. “Business leaders must develop a coherent AI strategy aligned with business goals, invest in the right tools and infrastructure and measure AI’s impact on KPIs, like productivity or customer satisfaction. Businesses also need to prepare their workforce by upskilling employees and addressing fears around job displacement.
“Finally, firms should stay aware of the regulatory landscape. AI regulations are evolving, and issues like AI accountability and transparency are drawing scrutiny. Future-facing businesses in any sector must be aware that, in 2025 and beyond, AI governance will be a critical business imperative.”
