Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2023 37 CUPGRA Sector challenges under the microscope Communication breakdowns, storage treatment combinations, ongoing PCN research and reduced carbon footprints are explored at latest CUPGRA conference. T HE huge e orts being made by potato growers to use fewer pesticides and increase biodiversity are largely going unrecognised by the public, and better communication is needed, it has been claimed. Fewer pesticides are being used than 20 years ago, there is better biodiversity on the farm, more hedges are being grown, soils are better looked after, more growers are using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. e integration of sustainable innovations for potato management was the theme of the 33rd annual Cambridge University Potato Growers Association conference which included recent applied research results and practical agronomy sessions to help growers and those in the potato supply chain to address current challenges. Hertfordshire sheep, beef and cereal farmer Stuart Roberts told those at the conference: “Food providers are feeling the pinch with Brexit and changes in legislation making life more di cult, and there is a lot of negative publicity around farming,” adding that perhaps things were not as bad as the narrative suggested. “For example, we saw the public opinion of farmers and the food industry signi cantly improve during Covid.” He emphasised the need for growers to communicate better with the public at large. “Most of us have a mobile in our pockets, and we are on social media so we have access to consumers. We all have a responsibility to do better.” Over the past few years, walking in the countryside has become a more popular pastime, and on his own farm, Stuart has placed signs with QR codes so walkers can read about the crops he is growing and the environmental work he is engaged in. “If every eld growing potatoes for a particular brand could put up information about what they are doing on all footpaths or bridleways going through, just think what it could do for the brand pro le.” While many consumers may not consider the potato an exciting ingredient, when looking at an NHS Eatwell Guide plate (which shows how di erent foods and drinks can contribute to a healthy, balanced diet), the importance of quality carbohydrates is highlighted. “O cial advice advocates consumers should eat more quality carbohydrates and guidelines have increased from 281 – 417g/ day,” said Stuart. “We need to make sure we are telling the story of the potato’s nutritional bene ts. e potato sector needs to grab this message and run with it. “ ere can be huge di erences between the views of industry insiders and those who are outside, and while there are opportunities in both the fruit and vegetable sectors, everyone needs to become a better storyteller.” Cover crops – the solution or the problem? Re-assessing areas being targeted with cover crops prior to planting, and making decisions on what we are trying to do with them, is key to evaluating their usefulness, according to Graham Tomalin of VCS Potatoes, a panellist at the conference. ➜ CUPGRA attendees heard that more needs to be done to educate the public.