Potato Review

4 POTATO REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEWS Editor Stephanie Cornwall 01778 395055 stephanie.cornwall@warnersgroup.co.uk Multimedia Sales Executive eresa Geeson 01778 392046 theresag@warnersgroup.co.uk Publisher Juliet Loiselle 01778 391067 Julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk Design Robbie Relf robbie.relf@warnersgroup.co.uk Subscriptions 01778 392464 subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk Subscriptions & advertising copy Potato Review, Warners Group Publications, e Maltings, West Street, Bourne, PE10 9PH www.potatoreview.com ISSN 0961–7655 © AREMI Ltd 2019 e publishers are not necessarily in agreement with opinions expressed in this journal. No responsibility can be accepted for statements made by contributors or advertisers. POTATO REVIEW is published by: Warners Group Publications, e Maltings, West Street, Bourne, PE10 9PH Printed by Warners (Midlands) Plc Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH MARCH/APRIL 2020 PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111 ree crop derogation urged Top chefs showcase top ingredient Farming organisations have asked for an urgent relaxation of the three crop rule as thousands of farmers battle floods after Storm Dennis. The UK Farming Roundtable has called for the government to grant a derogation from the rule. The three crop rule requires farmers to have three crops in the ground on their farm between May 1st and June 30th. The roundtable, which consists of groups such as the NFU, Country Land Top chefs; Marc Petit, Rob Kennedy, Louisa Ellis, Chris Wheeler, Hari Ghotra, Adam Lestrelle, Freddie Innes and Ririn Biggs joined forces to promote the wonders of potatoes at a special dinner held at The Lensbury Hotel, Broom Rd, Teddington last month. The eight acclaimed chefs created an eight-course dinner for guests starting with a canapé reception and welcome drink and finishing with a potato -based dessert. The event was organised to showcase the flavour and versatility of potatoes, which were at the heart of each course. They also demonstrated how choosing the right varieties will produce consistent results. The dinner was presented by TV Chef and presenter, Joe Hurd. Each chef explained their dish, with diners being able to connect with the chefs and ask questions on the dishes and techniques used. Workshop looks at holistic approach to weeds Precision farming demonstration Growers looking to adopt a more sustainable approach to weed control are invited to delve into the principles of integrated weed management (IWM), at the Weed Innovation Workshop. As herbicide resistance grows, political pressure intensifies, and cost of production rises, a more holistic approach to weed control is needed. From black-grass to broad- leaved weeds, weed control this season is expected to be challenging, as growers have struggled to get on the land to achieve early control. Questions will be answered by a range of speakers from Rothamsted and NIAB who will give up to date information on the status of herbicide resistance in the UK, thoughts on new non-chemical options and data platforms that can be accessed for information. Data will also be presented from field trials which have been plugging gaps in our knowledge base. There will also be information on how weeds can be beneficial, and the role they play in farm ecosystems across the rotation. For those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the research supporting the future of their farming business, there will be an exclusive field tour of Rothamsted’s experiments, including Broadbalk – the world’s longest running agricultural experiment – and a new largescale rotational experiment. Breakout sessions will give growers the opportunity to build an IWM strategy to suit their own farming systems, combating specific weed scenarios. The workshop is free to attend with 60 places available to book. For further information visit www.croptecshow.com/innovation-days. Scottish growers had the chance to see a new precision farming solution demonstrated at Doubletree by Hilton, Dundee, recently. Tuberzone, developed by Brechin-based Soil Essentials Ltd, is aimed at seed and salad potato growers. It predicts yield and tuber size throughout the season to help the grower optimise desiccation and crop value. The days events included soil sampling, area measuring and drone flights. Organisers said the event had been well attended and, as a result of interest shown, a similar event is being planned to take place soon in a di erent location. and Business Association and the National Sheep Association, highlighted how farmers are facing an ‘unprecedented situation’ and asked the government to broaden the extent of the Farming Recovery Fund to help flood-hit farmers with any uninsurable losses as a result of flooding RABI has simplified its application process to fast-track immediate financial support for farming families a ected by Storm Dennis and flooding. Contact them on 0808 281 9490 if you need help.