Potatoes in Practice takes place on 8 August and is looking at how the industry can progress
The future of potato crop production will be a central theme at Potatoes in Practice (PiP) next month, organisers have said.
PiP is the UK’s largest field-based potato event and takes place this year on 8 August in Dundee. Hosted by the James Hutton Institute, in partnership with the SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) and Agrii, the event will showcase a variety of demonstrations, cutting-edge research, trade exhibits, and knowledge from experts in the field.
This year’s event will look at how the potato community can unite to futureproof the industry. A range of seminars will take place, led by leading figures including Mark Taylor from GB Potatoes, Mike Wilson from the Seed Potato Organisation, Faye Richie from ADAS, Mercedes Torres from B-Hive and Graham Tomlin from VCS Potatoes.
The seminars will cover:
- ‘Supporting our future industry’ – the latest from GB Potatoes and the Seed Potato Organisation, with feedback from the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) stakeholder workshops earlier in the year.
- ‘Innovation in potato’ a dive into the innovations being developed across the sector and the outlook for the future.
- ‘Virus, the problem and how to control it’, with contributions from VCS Potatoes, and James Hutton Limited.
- ‘Fight Against Blight (FAB)’, an update on the Hutton-led initiative which aims to protect Britain’s potato crop against late blight, and ‘An update on fungicide resistance guidelines’ courtesy of ADAS.
Professor Ian Toth, director of the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) at the Hutton and recently appointed president of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR), will open the day’s seminars with a talk on grower concerns and potential solutions.
He said: “Futureproofing the potato industry remains a key goal of the Hutton and our partners. Bringing science and industry together helps us to build long-term sustainability and resilience for the years to come, and PiP is an excellent opportunity to knowledge share and discuss the threats and opportunities facing the sector.”
Showcasing innovation
Organisers said the annual event aims to foster learning and agricultural innovation, offering a comprehensive showcase of the latest developments in the potato industry. This will include some of the newest innovations, machinery and a look at the emerging trends.
Visitors will have access to a range of scientific knowledge and expertise, a chance to see new potato varieties from commercial breeders, agronomists demonstrating advancements in crop protection and researchers on hand to discuss their most recent findings.
The Potatoes in Practice event will take place from 9am to 3.30pm on 8 August at the James Hutton Institute’s Balruddery Farm in Dundee. More information is available here.
