Potato Review

INTERNATIONAL NEWS More focus neededon ‘-onics’ A RECENTLY-published Policy Forum article in an online scientific journal calls for a new approach to regulating genetically-engineered (GE) crops, arguing that current approaches for triggering safety testing vary dramatically among countries and generally lack scientific merit – particularly as advances in crop breeding have blurred the lines between conventional breeding and genetic engineering. The paper was written by a group of American experts and Wageningen University & Research’s Professor Ken Giller. ‘Shortage rumours unfounded’ RUMOURS that the US’s Idaho region would experience short supplies of potatoes this year are unfounded according to local suppliers. In an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald, Executive Director of Potato Growers of Washington, Dale Lathim, said this had not been the case. Instead, he said, there had not been the surplus that had been seen in previous years. “It’s actually a little bit better than last year in terms of yield. But it’s a lot better than last year in terms of quality,” he said. Irish retail sales and consumption rebounded slightly since start of the month RETAIL sales and consumption in Ireland stabilised at the beginning of September, according to the IFA, which lobbies and campaigns on behalf of Irish farmers at home and in Europe. The organisation said in its latest report that Queen’s sales had increased since the school season returned but that rain since the beginning of the month could prove harmful, providing potential for secondary growth. There were increasing reports of small early harvest yields and low yields, particularly in the southeast, with high dry matter making clean-up very di cult. Demand for sliced varieties is growing. The organisation stated that the past year had been the toughest on record for growers as a result of rising input costs and increasing drought conditions. There are serious concerns that next year’s production costs will be too high. Demand fair, but prices rising A TRADER in Italy says that the demand for potatoes is fair, but partly seems to be fed by those who want to speculate. An operator from Campania said he is buying product from France. Given the drought, production has su ered, with a decrease compared to last year’s campaign of around 30%. Production is lower and demand from various European countries, such as Italy, Spain and Portugal, is high. OUTCAST V2 Spreads slug pellets more accurately whilst you spray.  Even spreading across 36m  Lightweight boom mounted heads  Fully adjustable application rate MAXICAST High-capacity, high-output granular nematicide application.  High capacity 380L hopper  Closed transfer filling system  Electronic rate control  200l tank option MICROCAST 250 Gravity fed microgranular applicator for single beds.  250L Tank  GPS rate control  Closed transfer filling system  6 outlets APCAL CARTRIDGES Mocap, Nemathorin and Vydate granular metering units.  Consistent accurate metering  Long lasting performance  Specific pre-calibrated design MICRODRIVE RATE CONTROL Electronic metering for gravity- feed nematicide applicators.  Eliminate land-wheel drive  Retro-fit or new machine option  Remote in -cab control IN-FURROW APPLICATOR Accurate, reliable in-furrow fungicide application.  Fully automated options  Direct chemical injection system  Twin-nozzle technology for optimum soil coverage PLACEMENT PRO GR Improved utilisation of fertiliser through accurate placement.  1.2T capacity hopper  Depth control  Unique anti-blockage system PLACEMENT PRO LQ Precise placement and rate control.  1000L corrosion resistant tank  CAT 2 mounted  Planter mounted tines Prepare to Produce  01353 862 044  info @ techneat.co.uk www.techneatengineering.co.uk