Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021 13 COOPERATIVE FOCUS for testing. Results from these tests were positive, with the biggest variable being site selection. “ ese informative results from the crisping and chipping factories have better informed us of our GPS varieties and what soil types they require to produce the perfect potato that all breeders strive for,” a spokesman told Potato Review . As well as trialling the GPS varieties in the UK, last year it sent four GPS varieties to Israel that showed drought tolerant characteristics. ese were trialled in both heavy and sandy soils at di erent locations in Israel. e results were promising, and six varieties have already been sent to Israel for 2021 planting. If the results show that all or some of these GPS varieties can perform well under hot climatic conditions, then the export market could become a key area for GPS to explore. Grampian Growers is continuing to invest in breeding programmes and striving to get new varieties bred for members to grow exclusively. Export, Gemson, Iodea Grampian Growers Ltd and its subsidiary export company, Bennett Seed exports, are constantly looking for new seed potato markets and countries to explore and exports have gone relatively well this season, with the quality of seed described as “exceptional”. It has stored, packed and graded more than 9,000 tonnes of potatoes ready for dispatch. e newest markets it has supplied are ailand, Indonesia, and Germany and the cooperative is currently looking to increase seed potato tonnages to these countries over the next few years. Current markets it exports to include Egypt, Israel, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia which it says have been relatively steady over the last 5-10 years. “We do not expect Brexit to have any impact on our seed potato exports to the above countries and remain optimistic that a deal can be made with the EU regarding seed potatoes,” the spokesman said. A strong relationship and collaboration with AHDB and the Scottish Government, who initially investigate possible export countries, will be imperative to future markets. Gemson still remains Grampian Growers’ number one seed variety and the group is con dent that it will remain the grower’s choice when selecting salad varieties to plant. Seed harvested last year excelled in quality and yield and, despite the turbulent ➜ More than 9,000 tonnes of potatoes have been stored, packed and graded ready for dispatch this season. The bagging station. Loading up ready for exporting. The site is cleared in preparation for the new o ce build. Demolition of the old o ce site. The new o ces are now taking shape.