Potato Review

CONTENTS www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 3 Editor’s letter ere’s never a shortage of things happening in the potato industry, and this month’s issue is testament to that - indeed we were hard pressed to t all the latest news and updates we’ve got for you onto our pages, and feel there’ll still be plenty more to share via our website, e-letters and twitter feed over the next few weeks. Since the last magazine came out in July, we’ve had some notable events take place, including trials, open days and shows. ere have been some exciting new varieties unveiled, lots of feedback and recommendations on changing legislation regarding MH and CIPC, and new information and observations on precision farming and storage issues. With consumer focus on organic produce ever growing pace, it also seemed timely to seek some insights into grower impacts, and we took time out to interview a grower about his own organic crop. Last, but by no means least, we can now reveal the names of the rst National Potato Industry Awards nalists, after joining the judging panel when they revealed their shortlist. Full details of these are included in our special supplement, and we’d urge anyone who’s not yet booked but would like to attend the awards ceremony, on the rst night of BP2019, to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 09 NATIONAL POTATO INDUSTRY AWARDS: We detail the finalists and provide a breakdown of the launch event in our special supplement 20 MALEIC HYDRAZIDE: Lifting of legislation NEWS: Round-up of what’s happening in the industry 04 AHDB ON THE SPOT: Will Brexit have its chips? 30 35 40 42 44 ORGANICS: Consumer craze and impact on growers GROWER PROFILE: James Foskett on organic crops POTATOES IN PRACTICE: Full event coverage MACHINERY: The most recent launches and developments SEED TUBER STORAGE: Growers urged to raise hygiene stakes 26 WCM TRIALS DAY: New varieties unveiled 22 DRONES: A grower approach to research 16 PRECISION FARMING: Are potato growers getting a return on investment? 08 Stephanie Cornwall Editor PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: Interview with Nigel Haith 24