PROLONGED heat and drought have placed significant pressure on the British potato crop this season, particularly across England and in fields where irrigation has been limited or water supplies ran out.
Reports from growers point to crops shutting down and senescing early, with fewer and smaller tubers likely in the areas most severely affected. Irrigated crops have generally fared better, while the picture in Scotland and some cooler areas is more positive, although conditions continue to vary considerably from one locality to another.
It remains too early to quantify the final national yield or quality position before the crop is lifted, but it is already clear that this has been an exceptionally challenging season and that the weather will have an impact on the national crop. By the time you read this, our 2026 planted area survey will have closed.
The uncertainty surrounding this season underlines why the industry needs reliable, up-to-date data on the area in production. We intend to repeat the survey in 2027 and encourage as many growers as possible to take part. Responses are completely anonymous and will help us build the accurate national picture the industry needs.
It has been a very busy period for GB Potatoes as we continue to fulfil our role as the voice of the potato industry. Back in June we organised, in partnership with The National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) a Potato Industry Summit in London. This summit brought together people from across the potato industry from Government to researchers as well as growers and packers and processors.
We will be publishing a report about the conclusions from the day which you will be able to read. However, the key take away was access to water for a sustainable and secure food production system. The delegates weren’t asking for money to be thrown at them, but more that the processes involved in managing water, be that through abstraction or storage, were not giving them the confidence to invest. Consequently, we have spent the summer focussing on water, both in the press and in our conversations with governments and regulators. We take the view that when it does start raining properly, many will forget the issues created by a lack of water and that we need to focus their minds while it is most applicable.
The consumer press has certainly been engaging in the stories, and we have received a huge number of requests for comment. We have always made it clear to the press that the potato sector is incredibly resilient and can produce crops in the most extreme of circumstance, the last thing we need is for consumers to look at other carbs if they believe that potatoes will be in short supply. Of course we can’t know, at this point how many potatoes we will have after harvest, and we will only find out when the crop is lifted.
Managing the scare stories is a key part of our role, as well as promoting the benefits and good news stories. A lot of what we do goes unnoticed, but is always happening, without GB Potatoes there would be no one to inform the press of the truth about supply and the skills of the sector to supply a quality, healthy product through all the varying conditions that come our way. There will be potatoes on the shelves, they might not look quite as good as normal, or may be a bit smaller, but they will be there.
GB Potatoes has established strong support across the seed, fresh, processing and wider supply chain. We are now focused on broadening direct grower participation so that our membership reflects the full strength and diversity of the industry. A larger and more representative grower membership will add further weight to our engagement with governments, regulators and the media, while ensuring that our priorities remain firmly grounded in the practical needs of growers.
It will also allow us to expand the work we undertake for the industry, from policy representation and media engagement to technical projects and better market information. To make it easier for growers to become involved, we have introduced a one-year introductory membership rate for new grower members, payable either monthly by direct debit or as a single payment. We are confident that the work delivered during that first year will demonstrate the value of continuing as a full member. Details of the new grower rates are available on our website, or please contact me directly.
There are various events taking place throughout the summer months and I met up with many of you at Potatoes in Practice in August. I will be at the Potato Confex in November, busily providing the seminar programme. As the knowledge exchange partner for the event, GB Potatoes looks forward to seeing you there. Call in at the stand and have a chat with us to hear first-hand about the work being done on behalf of the industry and how you can become involved.
