Last chance to book for seed industry event

Potato seed growers wanting to keep up-to-date with changes in consumer attitudes towards potatoes are urged to attend this year’s Seed Industry Event at Crieff Hydro on October 26.

"Everyone knows the customer is king and it is vital that our industry adapts to changes in demand," says Mark Prentice, Potato Council head of seed and export. "Knowledge of how demand is evolving is key to making really great sales."

Potato Council head of marketing Caroline Evans will reveal information on the changing attitude of consumers and the implications for future demand.

In addition, seed and ware potato grower Tony Bambridge will explore consumer needs, analysing ways in which British seed growers and industry can improve to ensure it exceeds customer expectations.

Furthermore, John Wiskerke, director of international industry leaders in chips and potato specialities Lamb Weston Meijer, will compare the British seed industry it with its competitors from the customer’s point of view.

Other international speakers include Canadian Potato Committee chairman Keith Kuhl and Anton Haverkort from the Plant Research Institute of Wageningen in the Netherlands, who will cover issues such as parallels between plant health threats in Canada and Britain and the potential benefits of using genetics and breeding to address challenges of potato production respectively.

Additionally, delegates will be able to choose between workshops on PVY and potyviruses, managing the threat of Dickeya, new solutions for seed growers and the benefits of improving potato stores for a more cost-effective operation.

Rounding off the proceedings will be the ever-popular industry dinner and awards ceremony.