Potato Review

12 POTATO REVIEW NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 PREVIEW: BP2019 evolving strategy for ‘new era’ export promotion, this is likely to be an important point of call for those looking to maintain or grow exports. “International trade is obviously very important to Britain’s leading position in potato science, as well as our seed industry and companies at the cutting edge of engineering and machinery, While crop and processed product imports are always watched closely. As such, we anticipate many will want to hear directly from the Government about what the future may hold and what initiatives are being put in place to sustain Britain’s leading position in potatoes,” predicts Carla. Joining trade bodies in the hub area to focus on competitiveness through innovation will be the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), a partner of the Government-backed agency Innovate UK. “ e core message for the innovation part of the hub is that if you think innovation support is for people in white laboratory coats, bigger businesses or those in a di erent part of the supply chain than you, then that’s a misconception and we’d love to talk about the exciting opportunities available,” said KTN’s agrifood knowledge transfer manager Chris Danks. “ e pilot trade and innovation hub at the last show con rmed our overall feeling that the potato industry isn’t fully aware of the support available for strengthening competitiveness through innovation. So this is a great opportunity to explore the practicalities face-to- face,” he says. “With that in mind, the hub will be set-up to encourage visitors to drop-by and join in informal discussions. “Financial support to develop a edgling idea into a workable innovation is obviously an important consideration and many are encouraged by the range of funding options available. But, equally, visitors to the last hub were also keen to understand how to access networks of relevant contacts and nd sources of practical know-how. e fact that these valuable resources are relevant to businesses of all sizes and at all points along the potato supply chain, was clearly a surprise to some.” Practical examples As real-life examples are key, the KTN team will be joined by a variety of innovators at di erent stages of commercial development. “ ese innovators will happily answer questions on how they’ve progressed their projects so far, but inevitably they’re also very keen to test respons- es to their ideas with show participants,” Chris said. “Like the main show, this will cover the full supply chain. So we anticipate practical exam- ples from indoor potato seed production using controlled environment farming techniques, through various areas of eld-scale precision production, to post farm potato waste recovery and recycling technologies.” In addition to one-to-one discussions, KTN will be participating in the main AHDB-led seminar programme and hosting a separate open-invitation session on the second day, primarily aimed at supply chain companies, on co-funding options for kickstarting innova- tion. It is hoped this will include news of a ma- jor new round of innovation funding expected to be launched just prior to the event. • BP2019 is at the Great Yorkshire Show- ground, Harrogate on Wednesday 20th and ursday 21st November. Further informa- tion and pre-registration is available at www.bp2019.co.uk . You’ll nd Steve and his team on stand 117 at the show. Turn to page 31 for the o cial BP2019 show guide. “The pilot trade and innovation hub at the last show confirmed our overall feeling that the potato industry isn’t fully aware of the support available for strengthening competitiveness through innovation. So this is a great opportunity to explore the practicalities face-to-face.” The Trade & Innovation Hub will focus on informal discussion on a range of trade and competitiveness issues. Britain’s leading position in potatoes draws international trade delegations to the event.