Potato Review

4 POTATO REVIEW MAY/JUNE 2022 NEWS Potato Partnership to build on legacy of AHDBPotatoes FARM advisers and trials specialist Agrii is to lead a collaborative project intent on building on the legacy of AHDB Potatoes. In collaboration with Foskett Farms, East Suffolk Produce, Matt Gregory of Greenwell Farms and independent agronomist Graham Tomalin, the ‘Potato Partnership’ will investigate solutions to some of the most pressing production challenges facing growers. Nick Winmill, Agrii head of potato technical and development and project lead, said the intention was to expand on the work of AHDB Potatoes and maintain the provision of quality information to growers and industry. “We need to find solutions to some considerable pest and disease threats. How we manage populations of potato cyst nematode and wireworm against a backdrop of reducing product choice will be foremost in our minds. We also need a suitable successor to metribuzin for broad spectrum weed control and actions for the integrated control of aphid borne viruses. It will take time to develop strategies that consider the challenges facing us, so it is imperative that this work begins sooner rather than later,” said Nick. The project will utilise the potato crop area on the partner farms but will also involve neighbouring land to maximise the value of the data generated. “The intention is to identify solutions that can be deployed in the current season, but there is also a longer-term focus to much of the activities, namely the rotational control of soil pests. To ensure the continued generation of quality data, we will work with other interested growers,” said Nick. The involved parties plan to share the learnings with others through a series of field events beginning in July and August this year followed by a summary briefing during the winter. “There is no time limit to our commitment, and we have a schedule of research activities that takes us up to 2028. With the right partners and interest from growers, we hope to continue beyond this period,” Nick added. May/June 2022 Editor Stephanie Cornwall 01778 395055 stephanie.cornwall@warnersgroup.co.uk Multimedai Sales Executive eresa Geeson 01778 392046 theresag@warnersgroup.co.uk Publisher Juliet Loiselle 01778 391067 Julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk Design Amanda Clare 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 2018 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 PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111 30th anniversary INTERNATIONAL trading house for seed potatoes, EUROPLANT Pflanzenzucht GmbH, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Founded in 1992, it has explanded its distribution over the years to become one of the world’s most important suppliers of seed potatoes of innovative varieties and it is part of the EUROPLANT Group which sells worldwide about 260,000 tonnes of seed potatoes. OUTRAGE AT £600,000 DEAL TO SEND SEED POTATOES TO RUSSIA THE Scottish government has been criticised by members of the trade and public, after approving a deal by PepsiCo to send thousands of seed potatoes to Russia. While many companies have pulled out of doing business in the country, the £600,000 deal with Aberdeen-based Saltire Seed means 2,000 tons of seed potatoes will be delivered to Russian farmers by a convoy of 100 lorries, according to a report by Business Insider . A government spokesperson has since told the publication it did not approve the deal with seed potato grower Saltire Seed, but the deal still appeared to be going ahead. One trader stated that the deal was immoral given Russia’s unprecedented invasion of Ukraine, which has affected the lives of many Ukrainians. “Don’t they understand the offence they’re causing?” he said. “I hope public opinion will force them to reconsider.” The deal comes at a time when several major corporations have cut trade ties with Russia. PepsiCo recently announced it had suspended select beverage sales, capital investments, and all advertising in Russia. A PepsiCo spokesperson stated that as a food and beverage company, it “must stay true to the humanitarian aspect” of the business. “We are continuing to support the livelihoods of the 40,000 Russian agricultural workers in our supply chain as they face significant challenges and uncertainty ahead,” the spokesperson said. Nick Winmill