Spotlight on science behind growing spuds

Events are a key way to discuss the latest research and development and pick up new know-how.

This week leading Shropshire growers J. M. Bubb & Sons will host West Midlands Potato Day, a major technical event for the region. It is on June 19 at their Lynn South Farm, near Newport, kicking off at 9.30am.

Always well-attended by growers and industry from the West Midlands and beyond, the event will offer a full and highly topical programme, including expert talks on potato consumption, efficiencies in production and the competition for land.

Bruising and damage costs the potato industry around £200 per hectare each year and protecting potatoes at harvest and grading is vital to maintain high quality for customers, and to ensure crop going into longer-term storage is in the best possible condition.

One of the event's afternoon sessions will discuss best practice at harvest, grading and store loading, led by grading equipment experts, Tong Peal.

To address this issue, Potato Council has launched a new damage awareness campaign which highlights to growers and machinery operators the importance of planning ahead, carrying out routine maintenance and adapting machinery settings to prevailing conditions – all key areas in reducing the risk of damaging crops.

In-field sessions will look at potato cyst nematode, renewable energy, cultivation and soil profiles, bruising prevention and crop storage.

Jonathan Bubb, McCain's Southern Grower of the Year 2013 and the host farmer for the event, says: "This will be a great opportunity to see science in practice on-farm and catch up with friends and colleagues in the region."

It's not all science-based however. A key part of Potato Council's role is to help promote consumer demand for potatoes. Marketing manager, Kate Cox will be talking at the event on consumer trends and how the potato industry itself can help boost consumption of potatoes.

"We are on the lookout for enthusiastic industry ambassadors who are active on social media to reach out and communicate the many benefits of eating potatoes" explains Kate. "This region produces significant tonnages of high-quality potatoes and we need some of these growers to help promote the potato to their own online community. The work will be straightforward and we will provide help and support, so come and talk to us at the event or find us online of course @thepotatogirls."

All details on this major regional event can be found at www.potato.org.uk/events/west-midlands-potato-day-2014 and we look forward to seeing many of the region's industry on Thursday.

Potato Council's Damage Awareness materials, including advice leaflets and short technical videos, can be found at www.potato.org.uk/growing/bruising

* Sophie Lock is communications officer for the Potato Council