Potato Review

DIGGING • Terra Depth Control reduces crop damage and enhances flow • Auto pilot reduces operator fatigue TERRA-TRAC DRIVE • Inner turning circle just 5.3m – Platinum is highly manoeuvrable • Telescoping rear axle for reduced transport width and in-field stability with lower compaction NON-STOP BUNKER (7 TONNES) • Reversible bunker floor for non-stop digging • Ideal for bulk trailers AND boxes WEBS • Hydraulically driven, speed adjustable and reversible webs minimise blockages with easy clearance from the cab HAULM EXTRACTION • Hydraulically driven, speed adjustable and reversible haulm rollers SEPARATION • Gentle, thorough cleaning with RS / Multi- Sep or Double Multi-Sep OR Fine Haulm Elevator in conjunction with single RS or Multi-Sep PICKING OFF TABLE PLATFORM • Direct control via GBT Operator Terminal • Hydraulically-driven trash conveyor chutes RING ELEVATOR • Handles up to 200 tonnes per hr – 30% more than comparable harvesters • Optibag provides additional cleaning NEWS This means the 2019/20 season will be the last season during which growers will be able to use CIPC for sprout control. AHDB has extended its research programmes, and is providing a range of support options for store managers following the EU announcement. A statement by the CIPC task said: “Growers/store managers are advised to check with their supply chain partners/ customers prior to treating crop with CIPC. The maximum residue limit (MRL) of 10ppm is expected to be in place for the 2019/2020 potato storage season. However, because the active substance is not renewed, the MRL could fall to near zero (limit of quantification- LoQ) within two years, and the import of potato products into Europe with residues of CIPC above this level will not be permitted.” An application for a temporary MRL above the limit of quantification (LoQ) to cover previous store contamination has been sought by Certis and UPL to prevent the MRL falling to LoQ in the short term. This limit will be temporary and will differentiate between contamination and illegal use. The Agricultural Industries Confederation has said it is extremely disappointed that the Commission decided not to renew the approval of chlorpropham (CIPC). AIC had worked with industry stakeholders to highlight to UK Minsters, and EU Commissioners the importance of chlorpropham in UK and EU potato production. Hazel Doonan, Head of Crop Protection and Agronomy Sector for AIC, said: “The withdrawal of chlorpropham now means that agronomists have very limited options to recommend to farmers for potato storage, as well as fewer options for weed control in high value crops.” Swancote Foods potential closure Telford-based Swancote Foods entered a period of consultation with employees on the potential closure of the Swancote Foods site. The business produces processed potatoes for the food manufacturing sector and is owned by parent company Produce Investments Ltd. (PI). The Board of PI confirmed that the business has been operating at a loss for a number of years. Grampian technical and variety updates Grampian Growers, the farmer-owned cooperative based on the East coast of Scotland, will hold its annual technical potato update on Thursday, February 13th. Further details will be released closer to the time. The co-operative which counts some of the UK’s leading growers, suppliers and distributors of seed potatoes amongst its members, showcased EU varieties Iodea, Gemson, Actrice, BU-13-249, Tendresse, Crescendo, WW-10-46 and DAR12-03SR recently at the WCM trials event. CIPC has been under scrutiny in Europe since 2015.