Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW JANUARY 2022 13 BP2021 B USINESS was brisk and visits to stands continuous when the British Potato 2021 (BP2021) returned to Harrogate on November 24th and 25th. After two years away, the atmosphere at the show was generally positive, with many present saying how pleased they were to be able to do face-to-face business again. Organiser Steve Wellbeloved said any decisions to postpone the show because of COVID-19 uncertainties had been shelved in the wake of enthusiasm he’d encountered from would-be exhibitors, and calls of interest from those wanting to attend. Nevertheless, COVID-19 safety-guards were still to the fore, with on-the-spot tests being given at the entrance where NHS passes could not be provided. ‘Industry needs to work together’ Speaking at the show, Eric Anderson of Scottish Agronomy raised concerns about how independent research will be done after the closure of AHDB Potatoes. A lack of collaboration between different subsectors of the industry, such as seed, BACK TO BUSINESS Industry gathers at British Potato 2021. ware and the supply chain, or even between the different countries making up the UK could lead to duplication of efforts. Eric said: “We need to ensure that the work done is aimed at adding value for growers. To do this, we need to find a way to work together in our research and be accountable to the industry funding it. “Scottish Agronomy is a farmer co-operative, so we see ourselves as being part of the solution in translating vision into reality for growers. A co-operative captures value by participation. This equips members to determine and provide for their own needs and priorities. “It is important that innovation comes from practical field-based programmes and that critical work on plant protection products and knowledge exchange are not compromised by lack of continuity. “Example key priorities are developing sustainable PCN management, aphid and virus integrated pest management and late blight genotyping, together with testing sensitivity to a range of fungicides.” Moving on to talk about seed treatments, because the temperate autumn this year is likely to cause early dormancy break, he reminded growers about timing restrictions of liquid products, particularly those that need to be applied while tubers are dormant. “Liquid seed treatment needs to be applied at an early stage before dormancy “Many growers who have either been struggling to re-use irrigation tapes or finding they have to dispose of them as waste, are now seeking to improve their sustainability credentials.” Andrew Howseman, Howseman Agriculture. ➜