GROWERS, researchers, industry professionals, suppliers and exhibitors from across the potato sector came together at The James Hutton Institute’s Balruddery Farm for its annual Potatoes in Practice event.
The event attracted more than 740 attendees, including exhibitors, suppliers and visitors. A total of 59 organisations exhibited, showcasing the latest developments, technologies, products and services available to support growers and the wider sector.
There were 21 field plot demonstrations, showcasing the latest research, trials and developments in potato production and two live working demonstrations offered practical insight into technology and innovative approaches in action.
Seven static machinery demonstrations also provided attendees with the opportunity to explore the latest equipment and technologies and a live cookery demonstration added a new and engaging dimension to the event, demonstrating the versatility and value of the potato.
A key feature of this year’s event was the seminar programme, with four sessions featuring 11 expert speakers. Supporting the overarching theme of ‘Future-proofing the Potato Industry’, the seminars brought together leading researchers, industry experts and growers to share knowledge, discuss emerging issues and explore practical solutions to the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The sessions provided a valuable platform for discussion and knowledge exchange, helping to address key issues and opportunities for innovation and collaboration and supporting the continued development and resilience of the potato industry.
The field plot demonstrations, exhibition stands, static machinery displays, live working demonstrations and seminar sessions were all well attended throughout the day, with visitors engaging positively with exhibitors and speakers and taking the opportunity to discuss the latest developments directly with those working across the sector.
In one of the new additions at this year’s event, former MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin delivered a live cookery demonstration, showcasing the potato in a fresh and engaging way.
The National Robotarium’s roving robotic dog, SPOT, proved to be a major attraction, drawing considerable interest from attendees and demonstrating the potential for robotics and autonomous technology within future agricultural applications.
Real sniffer dogs from K9 Manhunt & ScentWork Scotland were also present. Their demonstrations generated significant interest and were particularly well received by attendees, providing an engaging example of how specialist detection dogs can be used in practical applications in the future.
