Potato Review

NEWS Aphidmonitoring to continue in2022 CROP solutions provider Fera is to provide an aphid monitoring programme for the 2022 season, after establishing a demand from existing customers and stakeholders. The program will utilise the same reporting and alert platform as it has used in previous years when it received support funding from the AHDB levy. Up to 10 samples will be analysed per trap site. The service will include provision of a trap and sample pots to return samples to FERA. Results will be published anonymously when permission is given so they can be mapped by the company. The original service, which started in 2004, was supported with AHDB levy board funding. Since the decision to abolish the levy, following a growers’ ballot earlier this year, Fera has been working with AHDB to coordinate a smooth transition. The new service was launched at British Potato 2021. The cost for this service will now be £500 (exc. VAT) per trap site per season, payable in advance prior to submitting the first sample. UK’s rst carbon-neutral potatoes showcased THE UK’s first carbon-neutral potatoes were amongst 200 new food and drink products showcased by Welsh businesses at BlasCymru/TasteWales in the autumn. Huw Thomas, Managing Director of Pu n Produce which produces ‘Root Zero’ said the potatoes are certified carbon neutral and grown using sustainable farming practices to remove carbon dioxide, create healthy soil and increase local biodiversity. GUIDES LAUNCHED TO HELP GROWERS MANAGE SOIL THE UK Soil Health Initiative (UKSHi) has produced a series of guides for growers seeking advice on soil health which focus on the key practical points farmers can do to improve soil health on-farm. They have been developed by bringing together top academics and practitioners in the UK and can be downloaded at www. cfeonline.org.uk/environmental-management/ soils/uk-soil-health-initiative-guides/ Potatomilk– thenext ‘big thing’ VEG of Lund, a Swedish plant-based company, has developed what it claims is the world’s first plant-based “milk” made from potatoes, which trades under the name Dug. According to a recent trends report published by a supermarket chain Waitrose, potato milk is set to be one of the hottest new foods in 2022. IN-FIELD sales@haith.co.uk +44 (0) 1302 831911 www.haith.co.uk Strategic Partner From single machines to complete turnkey solutions the potato industry trust Haith to handle it. WASHERS & DESTONERS POLISHERS TURNKEY SOLUTIONS INNOVATION COMBINED BOX TIPPLERS IN-TAKE OPTICAL SORTERS GRADERS PROUD SPONSORS OF Haith Half Page Advert-October 21 ART.indd 1 18/10/2021 15:12