Potato Review

28 POTATO REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 ANNUAL TRIALS DAY “It’s vital that we explore new varieties and innovations to meet the growing challenges the industry faces in today’s market.” The event featured farm standard zones, commercial crisping trials, small plot variety trials and a biodiversity trial, alongside trade demonstrations and stands. Breeders taking part included HZPC, CCC, Agrico, Cullen Allen, Meijer, IPM, Solana, Perran Potatoes, Germicopa and Grampian Growers and those with trade stands included Wellvent, Wroot Water, Stored Crops, Standen, Yorkshire & Humber, Omex and Muddy Boots. AHDB seminars took place during the day and were well attended. Head of the Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research, Adrian Cunnington, spoke about sprout suppression and recent work by AHDB to support growers following the regulatory changes to key activities. Head of AHDB’s Strategic Insight Team, David Swales, discussed how Brexit will impact on the potato industry, and Senior Plant Health and Seeds Inspector at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (AaPHA), Lynne Bradley, spoke about the Seed Potato Classification Scheme (SPCS). The ethos of Whole Crop Marketing Limited revolves around growers collaborating to market their produce. Ten members established the group in 2008. WCMManaging Director Mark Tomlinson said the trials day, now in its ninth year, was an “outstanding success”. “Collaboration and support between the seed houses, AHDB and WCM brought forward important information and advice for growers and customers,” he said. “It’s vital that we explore new varieties and innovations to meet the growing challenges the industry faces in today’s market.” He said there had been “a fantastic response” from everyone who attended, including the trade, stall holders and visiting farmers. “It was a huge effort from all the WCM team to stage such an event and this year it was enhanced by a working harvester demonstration, more machinery stands and an increased area of new variety trials. Having the AHDB attend with a programme of seminars on relevant potato topics also made the whole day a very worthwhile exercise and we had around 300 visitors for the day.”