Potato Review

14 POTATO REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2023 NPI AWARDS 2023 ALL NEW AWARDS ANNOUNCED T EN all-new award categories have been announced for the next National Potato Industry Awards event which hwill be held in November alongside BP2023. Some will feature more than one winner to di erentiate between small and large-scale projects where applicable and the entry criteria has been put into a simpler format, so everyone in the industry is urged to put their thinking caps on and nominate someone for one or more of the categories. Entry forms can be found on our website at or by emailingHayley Comey at hayleyc@warnersgroup.co.uk . e 10 award categories are as follows: 1. GROWER/GROWING MANAGER OF 2022 2223 We’re looking for nominations for any grower, or Manager of a growing business, who has made a standout contribution to the potato industry, has overcome speci c challenges that are worthy of applauding, or whose actions are deemed to be a good example to others in the industry. is can include a speci c growing method or plan, partnerships with research agencies, participation in projects or trials, contribution to their local community or the industry as a whole or long-term achievements Anyone can make a nomination, and explain why they think this person is worthy of an award. It’s also possible to self-nominate. We won’t disclose where the recommendation came from. 2. BEST INNOVATION 2022 2223 CAN you tell us about a piece of agri- tech, a new research method, or a time- saving practice that’s helping improve yield, pro ts or day-to-day practices? We’re keen to hear about any innovations that are already providing a positive impact within the potato supply chain or that could be a game-changer for the future. If you, or someone you know, has come up with an innovation you feel has the potential to bring an improvement in terms of time-saving, cost-minimising, labour saving, sustainability or other goals, please let us know. It doesn’t matter how small or large the innovation or investment is – we will judge on merit and potential and may announce more than one winner depending on the scale involved. 3. BEST ENVIRONMENTAL/ SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE e NPIA2021 Environmental Award recognises outstanding individuals and organisations from any sector of the potato industry who’ve contributed in some way to the protection of the environment or sustainability. Any grower, advisor or company demonstrating best practice or stewardship initiatives is eligible for the award, as well as companies and suppliers who have introduced a practice or product that has made a notable impact on environmental performance. We want to hear about the greenest businesses, growers, advisors and suppliers so that we can recognise and reward change across all aspects of purpose- driven sustainability, social impact, the countryside or community. 4. BEST MARKETING WORK / BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN 2022 2023 GOOD marketing is frequently taken for granted, but where would we be without those timely reminders, solutions and advisories that seem to pop up when they’re most needed? is award aims to reward the most e ective marketing strategies, companies and people, showcasing the industry’s most innovative and ground-breaking campaigns and the nest minds. If it’s used for any of the following, we want to hear your recommendations • Innovative packaging • Novel branding • New varieties • Consumer in uence • Seasonal activities • New-to-market products Smaller campaigns/contributions: It’s not just the bigger campaigns we’re interested in. We’re also looking to reward those who have also helped to build awareness of their own small business o erings, new-to-market products or, like last year’s winner, helped to raise awareness through their own newsletter or website. ere may be more than one winner in this section, again dependent on the scale of the operation, so don’t be humble – let us know if you think there is something that deserves recognition, be that a new/re-worked website, a catalogue or your own published photography. 5. MACHINERY AND IMPLEMENTS MACHINERY that has simpli ed or improved eld operations from cultivation and planting to irrigation and harvesting, as well those used for washing, handling, sorting, grading and transportation is a key contributor to the success of our UK potato industry, and the darling of all those looking to save time, improve quality and maximise pro tability. Can you recommend something that ts ANY ONE OR MORE of the following criteria: 1. New machinery introduced to the market since January 2021; 2. Machinery that has been upgraded with new features, over the past two years that has made a notable impact. What reasons and feedback can you give about its contribution to growers, suppliers, packers or retailers? 6. AGRONOMY WE all know an agronomist who has gone above and beyond with their e orts and advice, whether it’s been working with individual growers or part of a collaboration over the past two years. Can you nominate someone you think deserves recognition for their e orts or achievements? Would you like to put yourself forward for something you are proud of and would like to share? If so, let us know what you feel is noteworthy about this individual agronomist or agronomist’s consultancy and why you think this nominee merits