Potato Review

Trade & innovation hub The Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) has been instrumental in the widespread adoption of best practice in the use of granular nematicides across the UK potato industry. With the NSP Protocol having been widely embraced, it will now become an audited standard for Red Tractor’s fresh produce and sugar beet growers ahead of the 2020 season. NSP chairman, Patrick Mitton, will present on this update, followed by a panel discussion on the role of stewardship in maintaining vital tools for growers, who are reliant on them to maintain both yield and quality. Following a successful pilot at the last show, hub participants will again be offering show participants the opportunity for informal one-to-one discussions with experts on industry issues, innovation and international trade. You’ll find the hub in area 114 of Hall 1. Hear from NFU experts about the very latest developments and the implications Brexit has for the fresh produce sector. Due to the ever-evolving nature of this topic more details will be provided nearer the date. 09.00-09.45 Panel discussion 12.15-13.15 Panel discussion Information on the practical resources and support available from the Knowledge Transfer Network to assist innovation at all levels of the UK potato industry. Potentially also covering specific details of a new funding round currently scheduled to be announced just prior to BP2019. 12.45-13.45 Informal discussion Agri-Tech Organisation (ATO) from the Department for International Trade is the first port of call for companies seeking assistance to expand their international trade. At the show, they’ll be highlighting how they seek to combine the expertise and knowledge of business, academia and Government from across the agri-tech sector. Also the work undertaken alongside DIT’s global network of in-country experts in over 100 markets, and the tailored advice and support available to those looking to develop and commercialise new technologies in the UK. International trade Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is a partner of Government-backed Innovate UK and assists businesses to build consortia and apply for research grants – as part of its work to help companies get the best out of creativity, ideas and the latest discoveries. KTN’s Agrifood team will be highlighting how they work to link new ideas and opportunities with expertise, markets and finance through a network of businesses, universities, funders and investors. This will be ‘brought to life’ by practical case studies relevant to businesses of all sizes – as the KTN team will be joined by a variety of innovators at different stages of commercial development. Like the main show, this will cover the full supply chain, so examples are expected from indoor potato seed production using controlled environment farming techniques, through various areas of field-scale precision production, to post farm potato waste recovery and recycling technologies. Innovation Four key trade associations, covering the whole UK potato supply chain, will be represented in the hub – providing an opportunity to catch up on their activities and important issues facing the industry. Please note that association representatives will be active around the show and so may not be present in the hub at all times. If you are particularly keen to meet, we recommend making prior arrangements. Contact details can be found in the extensive Show Directory at www.bp2019.co.uk/showdirectory Trade associations Open invitation meetings Meetings & informal advice 9 Successful stewardship: The route to meeting market expectations Wednesday 20/11/19 The funding landscape for UK potato industry innovation and competitiveness Thursday 21/11/19 Navigating the political landscape post-Brexit