Potato Review

NEWS Y – FOR ADDED PEACE OF MIND www.grimme.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply GRIMME PROTECT enables you to extend your original GRIMME warranty on a new machine for up to a total of 5 years* and it is available on used GRIMME machines too. T I w.gri me.co.uk *Terms and conditions a ply GRIM E PROTECT enables you to extend your original GRIM E wa ranty on a new machine for up to a total of 5 years* and it is available on used GRIM E machines t o. These are di cult times and there are several challenges in agriculture. Indeed, AHDB work closely with organisations like NFU, NFUS, BTPA and the growers on our board to put together support, tools and resources for growers dealing with chang- es to their business due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We also know the closer farm business- es work with us, the more benefit and val- ue derived from the work. There are many initiatives we are passionate about from which potato growers gain knowledge and insight to help make informed deci- sions and their businesses sustainable. Guiding growers through Brexit-related challenges and, more recently, Covid-19, means that those engaged gain real infor- mation to use on a day-to-day basis. Feedback from many potato growers is positive particularly on areas such as sprout suppression and alternatives to CIPC, the area that benefits from our most significant investment of levy funds. Store managers have accessed the latest thinking in many ways, from watching webinars showcasing research results, to a levy-funded visit to their store from an independent expert via our Storage Network. Strategic Potato Farms and their focus on desiccation and virus management, al- low growers an interaction with research- ers and agronomists at a real setting. Over 80% of visitors to events go away with something they intend to use at t heir own business. However, the AHDB Potato sector board made up of growers, processors, merchants and an independent member is not complacent and demands we work closely with key stakeholders, govern- ment and devolved administrations and specialist groups dedicated to exports, re- search, knowledge transfer and marketing to ensure the work undertaken meets the needs of levy payers. The sector board is well placed to oversee project implementation and performance and is charged with the responsibility to develop appropriate cost-eective strategies to meet the chal- lenges of today and in the future. Growers who wish to know more or share their views, can contact me or their local Knowledge Exchange Manager. ‘WORKING CLOSELY TO BRING BENEFIT’ By RobClayton, AHDBPotato StrategyDirector