I HAVE finally seen the sunshine – something that has been absent for many weeks – and it is a welcome sight.
For some, particularly in Cornwall, planting will be delayed this year, which is likely to affect the early potato crop. For many others, I hope conditions improve and fields dry out in time for planned planting windows.
You will have seen our recent updates regarding the exploration of an Emergency Authorisation (EA) for the continued use of mancozeb. This work was driven by a clear objective: To assess every realistic option available to support growers’ resistance management strategies at a time of increasing blight pressure and evolving strains.
With valued support from Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd, a small but highly-experienced technical group was brought together to scope out and develop a potential EA application. Constructive and open dialogue was held with the Health and Safety Executive to fully understand the evidence and safeguards that would be required, alongside positive pre-application engagement with the product authorisation holder, UPL.
While discussions were collaborative throughout, it ultimately became clear that any authorisation would likely be restricted to a single application per crop to satisfy risk assessment criteria. After careful technical and commercial evaluation, agronomy experts advised that such limited use would provide only marginal resistance management value and would not justify the additional stewardship requirements. On that basis, the decision was taken – with disappointment – not to proceed with an EA application.
Importantly, the process itself demonstrated something very positive about our sector: When a challenge emerges, the industry can mobilise expertise quickly, works constructively with regulators, and thoroughly tests the available options. We are very grateful for the time and professionalism shown by HSE, and for the significant contributions made by the technical team, including Eric Anderson, Ruairidh Bain, Graham Tomalin and David Cooke. Even though the outcome was not what we had hoped for, every possible avenue was properly explored.
This kind of detailed investigative and regulatory work is resource-intensive and underlines why it is so important to have a dedicated organisation working on behalf of the potato industry as a whole – ensuring that opportunities are examined, evidence is assembled, and the sector’s voice is heard.
Continuing the theme of collaboration, GB Potatoes hosted the National Virus Forum in February – another strong example of the industry aligning around shared risks and shared solutions. Protecting seed health and maintaining our international reputation demands forward planning and effective horizon scanning. Our new technical working group, chaired by Adrian Fox of Fera, will guide next steps. One project already underway is a comprehensive literature review of potato leafroll, which will help inform future actions and recommendations.
Investment in people is equally important. The Potato Industry Development Programme held its first session in February and brought together an impressive cohort drawn from across the sector. With visits to McCain Foods, Branston, Haith Group and AKP Group, participants gained first-hand insight into different parts of the supply chain. Feedback has been extremely positive, and it is encouraging to see such strong engagement from the next generation of industry leaders. Thanks also go to the British Potato Trade Association for partnering on delivery. Given the high level of interest, the programme will run again next year.
The consistent message across all this work is simple: Progress comes fastest when we work together. Whether addressing crop protection changes, emerging virus risks, or leadership development, a joined-up industry is a resilient industry. Wishing everyone a successful and smooth planting season.
