Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW NOVEMBER 2021 27 AGRICO VARIETY DAYS “As a seed house we have to be confident in a variety to invest in multiplication here as we no longer have the option of being able to rely on introduction fromDutch seed, so going big on the ones we back and creating market pull is essential.” Ware customers may have to consider variety changes With seed import restrictions leading to a reduction of variety choice, and varieties such as Agria largely unsuited to UK growing, ware customers will have to start considering different varieties, suggested Andrew Johnston, Seed Manager at Wolds Produce and an Agrico open day visitor. “But ultimately, packers, processors and consumers determine what varieties are required, so there needs to be some joined- up thinking to ensure ware growers, buyers and consumers understand what this means for all levels of the seed trade, as this is a five-year process. We do need to work closer to discover what the trade wants.” While the industry has to accept the door shutting on EU imports means less choice, the variety portfolio available in the UK is still huge, pointed out Andrew, and the upside is opportunity for UK seed growers. “Without having developed varieties coming in from the EU, traditional varieties in particular may benefit in the short term, and there are some good opportunities for merchants to market some of these. Ultimately we will have to develop a balance between established and up-and-coming varieties.” Processors pledge grower support Dan Hewitt, Head of Agriculture and Sustainability at Kettle Chips maker Valeo Snack Foods, acknowledged the role processors have to play in helping ensure the growers that supply them can stay profitable and sustainable. “I’m disappointed in the demise of AHDB Potatoes and SBCSR, but we have to move forward now and join together across the UK and across the industry with a single voice. There are multiple challenges coming on top of AHDB’s loss, not least a Government seemingly focused agriculturally post-Brexit on biodiversity. The past eighteen months should have woken them to the fact food supplies are not to be taken for granted. “The industry does need to move on with varieties. We’re still using Lady Rosetta at 35 years old, and it’s depressing the UK’s most widely-grown variety, “As a seed house we have to be confident in a variety to invest in multiplication here as we no longer have the option of being able to rely on introduction from Dutch seed.” Babylon is a new early maincrop suited to chipping, an Agria mutant with very yellow flesh, 21% dry matter, and stable sugars, says Alex Moore. Next Generation type Twister is Agrico’s prime hope as a future white packing variety, with a 19% dry matter suiting the likes of McCain for two/four tray frozen bakers. ➜