Potato Review

4 POTATO REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2020 NEWS Editor Stephanie Cornwall 01778 395055 stephanie.cornwall@warnersgroup.co.uk Multimedia Sales Executive eresa Geeson 01778 392046 theresag@warnersgroup.co.uk Publisher Juliet Loiselle 01778 391067 Julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk Advertisement Copy Sue Ward production@warnersgroup.co.uk Design Amanda Clare Subscriptions 01778 392464 subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk Subscriptions & advertising copy Potato Review, Warners Group Publications, e Maltings, West Street, Bourne, PE10 9PH www.potatoreview.com ISSN 0961–7655 © AREMI Ltd 2018 e publishers are not necessarily in agreement with opinions expressed in this journal. No responsibility can be accepted for statements made by contributors or advertisers. POTATO REVIEW is published by: Warners Group Publications, e Maltings, West Street, Bourne, PE10 9PH Printed by Warners (Midlands) Plc Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH July/August 2020 PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111 Industry stalwart dies A research and development specialist whose work revolutionised the potato storage sector has died at the age of 83. Frank Pirie, who began his working life as an engineering apprentice in the research and development division of Massey Ferguson, went on to become a well-known name within potato growing and storage, winning a number of awards. He set up his own business, F J Pirie & Co Ltd, in October 1974 specialising in the design and manufacture of storage and drying equipment. Following a request from a seed potato farmer in the borders, he designed and manufactured the first packaged refrigeration unit for the storage of seed potatoes in boxes and devoted his time to perfecting the packaged refrigeration concept now regarded as the industry norm. The units won Silver Medal Awards on three consecutive years from 1990 to 1992 and won the coveted Growers Award at the Royal Show in 1991. In 1998 Frank received the British Potato Industry Award for his contribution to the industry. After his company closed down in June 2006, he continued to work as a consultant/advisor until the end of 2019. Frank was married to Jen, with whom he had three children - Stewart (deceased), lain and Scott, and four grandchildren - Reuben, Andrew, Clara, and Nathan. Lincolnshire potato producers Peter Thorold and John Bratley along with flower grower Simon Redden are balloting grow- ers on their views of AHDB, whether they wish to continue funding it via levies, and whether it should retain powers to collect the compulsory levy. The group claims that, because horticul- ture is such a competitive industry, the most successful businesses conduct their own research to gain competitive advantage. However, they also have to pay AHDB to disseminate such information as widely as possible. Of particular concern is the fact that the compulsory levy is based on turn- over, which can result in payments of tens of thousands of pounds by large growers, with those who cannot pay subject to legal action, and potential criminal convictions. The ballot follows a government call for views in 2018 which attracted response from less than 0.5% of levy-payers. Despite such a low level of response, it’s been claimed that the majority of potato grow- ers felt ADHB was out of touch and the DEFRA review did not provide a mandate for the statutory levy to remain even though AHDB’s CEO Jane King proclaimed the ➜ UK growers ballot for views on AHDB and whether levy powers are fair Peter Thorold says the system is outdated. Rob Clayton says feedback is good.