WHO can believe a month has already gone by since Potatoes In Practice?
When I penned my last intro, we were all busily preparing for the event that is such a key date in the British potato industry’s calendar.
This year’s event did not disappoint.
Alongside the 59 exhibitors showcasing latest developments, technologies, products and services, there were 21 field plot demonstrations as well as two live working demonstrations. Judging by the amount of people coming forward for ‘introductions’, I wasn’t the only one who was particularly impressed by the lovable bunch of canines who showed how their sniffing skills could be used for the benefit of the potato industry!
There were some strong seminar topics this year, with drought and virus providing challenges for growers this year and industry specialists providing some key insights into work being done and how to put in place effective strategies for managing these in the future on the back of changing climates. We cover both topics in depth in our pests, disease and water management sections.
On the varieties and breeding front, we carry full details about a global research initiative launched to accelerate the delivery of improved crop varieties and the UK’s first precision-bred potato, PiperPlus, which has just received regulatory approval.
Another key event we attended this year was Groundswell, where cost-cutting storage tech and sustainable soil strategies for potato growers were amongst the exhibits. You can read our full review on page 30. Then there was Restrain’s AccumulatR potato seed treatment open day at Cockerill’s in Malton, full details of which can be found in our storage section, along with some key storage insights from Adrian Cunnington.
It’s not been an easy year for potato growers generally, and the knock-on effect on the rest of the industry is obviously being felt. Sharing information and good practice can go a long way towards easing those pressures, so please get in touch if you have any insights or updates to share.
