Potato Review

NEWS Breeder publishes certi cate price after half-yearly trading day THE supply of certificates from HZPC has reduced slightly but the company says it is still “significant”. The share certificate price has been set at €106.35. This means a reduction in the value of the HZPC certificate by the maximum of 10% in accordance with the stock exchange model HZPC uses. The company announced that, after many years with a limited supply, it is now mostly inactive growers who wish to sell their certificates IDAHOAN PERFECTMASH POTS JOIN VIRTUAL SHELVES OF OCADO UK packet mash brand, Idahoan Perfect Mash, has launched a range of convenience pots into Ocado. Idahoan Perfect Mash is made from Russet Burbank potatoes in the USA, produced through a dehydration process, and the pots are available in three flavours: Bubble & Squeak (made with chunks of carrot and flecks of leek), Sausage & Gravy (an updated take on the classic using veggie sausages and gravy), and Bacon & Cheese (smoky bacon paired with parmesan, mozzarella and cheddar). Idahoan’s Perfect Mash Pots have an RRP of £1.50 each and are also available to purchase through Morrisons and Asda. ‘Seasonal worker challenges still exist’ NFU Chief Horticulture and Potatoes Adviser, Lee Abbey, said the appointment of new Seasonal Worker Pilot operators in the UK is a positive step but there are still challenges ahead. “The lateness of a decision by the government in 2020 on the expansion of the scheme for this season meant the sector would always be playing catch up,” he said. “The peak horticulture season is upon us, but the new operators are only now able to issue visas and, typically, it can take up to six weeks for the first people to arrive. This puts enormous pressure on the sector where labour is increasingly hard to find.” AG Recruitment, Pro-Force Ltd and Concordia Ltd have been appointed, following a government ‘procurement’ process at the end of December, with a Request For Information from interested labour providers, after which Defra and the Home O¤ce reviewed the applicants. The NFU had been pushing for an urgent announcement to enable growers to contact the new providers and for those providers to start issuing visas. Environment Secretary George Eustice said in a recent statement: “We will always back our farmers and growers, who work hard all year round to provide us with a secure supply of fruit and vegetables. The measures will provide vital labour, both domestic and from abroad, to our farmers and growers to help gather the 2021 harvest to feed the nation.” www.grimme.co.uk ENGINE • Mercedes Benz 460HP engine (Stage V) with Automotive Drive for economy on the road and increased power in the field • Sub 30l/hr fuel consumption WEBS • Hydraulically driven, speed adjustable and reversible webs minimise blockages with easy clearance from the cab HAULM EXTRACTION • Hydraulically driven, speed adjustable and reversible haulm rollers TIGHT TURNING CIRCLE • Large drive wheels reduce compaction and give a tight turning circle • Telescoping front axle for reduced transport width and in-field stability • Terra Trac Option available NON-STOP BUNKER (7 TONNES) • Reversible bunker floor for non-stop digging • Ideal for bulk trailers AND boxes RING ELEVATOR • Handles up to 200 tonnes per hr – 30% more than comparable harvesters • Optibag provides additional cleaning SEPARATION • Gentle, thorough cleaning with RS / Multi- Sep or Double Multi-Sep OR Fine Haulm Elevator in conjunction with single RS or Multi-Sep i ( ) i i i f i i l l f l i li l i j l i l i i i l i l f li l i j l i l l l i l i i i i i l l i f l f i i l ili i il l i l f i i I l f l il l l i i i i l l i l l i i l i l l i i l l i j i i i l l i