SPONSORS have been announced for the 2025 Potatoes in Practice, the UK’s largest field-based potato event which will take place on August 7th.
The event is organised by The James Hutton Institute, along with its partners, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Agrii, and will take place at the Hutton’s Balruddery Farm. A major event in the potato industry calendar, it showcases latest research, new varieties and agronomy methods.
This year’s sponsors include GB Potatoes, Restrain, The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) and the Seed Potato Organisation (SPO). Potatoes in Practice is also supported by its media partners, British Potato Review (BPR) and PotatoPro.
GB Potatoes is a membership organisation representing growers, packers, processors, and other supply chain partners within the British potato industry, to tackle shared challenges and work towards a sustainable future for potato production in Great Britain.
CEO Scott Walker said: “GB Potatoes is proud to sponsor Potatoes in Practice. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with growers, researchers, and supply chain partners, all working to drive innovation and tackle industry challenges. Supporting this event reflects our commitment to championing the sector and securing a strong future for British potatoes.”
Restrain has provided ethylene solutions in potato storage for more than 20 years. Its generator converts ethanol into ethylene gas, offering eco-friendly sprout control and it also offers Accumulator+, a proprietary seed potato treatment which the company says increases stem numbers and results in more tubers initiated per plant, uniform tuber size distribution and increased marketable yield.
Managing Director Dan Hewitt said: “Scotland’s Potatoes in Practice is a must-attend event for anyone serious about the future of potato farming. It’s where the industry comes together to share knowledge, showcase innovation, and build the resilient best practices that will define the next generation of potato production. Restrain is delighted to support this event and demonstrate how Accumulator+ and our industry-leading ethylene solutions are helping growers achieve quality and yield, and meet their sustainability goals.”
The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR), a member-based organisation that provides a link between the Hutton and farmers, processors and interested bodies, is sponsorting the event through its potato sub-committee.
Dr Jennie Brierley of the Hutton and Secretary of the SSCR potato sub-committee, said: “Attending Potatoes in Practice is an annual highlight, a perfect opportunity to engage directly with those involved in the potato industry. One of SSCR’s key aims is to facilitate the link between researchers and the potato industry and being involved in Potatoes in Practice is an important part of that process.”
The Seed Potato Organisation (SPO), also a membership organisation, funds research, innovation and technical services that drive advancements and improvements within the potato sector and develops partnerships across the industry to support its members through collaborative initiatives and advocacy. It champions policies that support sustainable and safe agricultural practices, ensuring the long-term viability and success of the industry.
Vice Chair and Secretary, Jim Cargill, said: “Potatoes in Practice is very relevant in practical terms to farmers. It is always interesting to see new varieties that are on display and good to see the innovation in the industry.”
Potatoes in Practice is also supported by its media partners, British Potato Review (BPR) and PotatoPro.
British Potato Review Stephanie Cornwall said: “British Potato Review is proud to be a partner of Potatoes in Practice, which we’ve supported for a number of years. It’s a great opportunity for the industry to come together at a field-based event to see variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits.”
A similar view was shared by Paul van Eijck, President and Founder of Food Innovation Online Corp who said on behalf of PotatoPro: “Potatoes in Practice is a cornerstone event for the UK potato industry. It fosters collaboration, showcases innovation, and delivers the research-driven insights growers and supply chain partners need to stay competitive. As the team behind PotatoPro, we’re proud to support this event and help share its impact with a global audience.”
Potatoes in Practice tickets can be booked here.
