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Potatoes in Practice (PiP), Britain’s biggest field-based event for the potato industry in 2009, takes place at a new venue – Balruddery Farm, Invergowrie, Dundee on Thursday August 13. Sponsored by Potato Council and hosted by SCRI, SAC and CSC Potatocare, it’s a unique opportunity for farmers, advisers and others to view the latest industry and government-supported research at a single site.



This year the event focuses on innovative solutions to industry challenges. PiP is Britain’s premier showcase for the latest R&D and technical information that will shape the sector. Whether it is the threat of a reduced pesticide armoury, responding to climate change or reducing cost, those looking for the technical edge will find the practical, novel and fundamental answers to key issues at PiP 2009.

"More and more growers are now coming to Potato Council’s summer events, and PiP is the founding father of these, with the broadest range of innovations on display," explains Potato Council head of seed and export Mark Prentice. "You simply can’t get a better understanding of how new technical solutions relate to your own on-farm situation than by coming to the event and discussing the issues first hand with the experts who will be there."

Free to attend, PiP is now well-established as the leading field-based event for growers, merchants, packers and processors to catch up on the latest levy-funded and other potato-related research. In the seminars, industry measures to mitigate the losses threatened by European directives will be discussed, while as the major potato disease Dickeya continues its onward march through Europe, the implications to UK growers of worrying new developments will be presented. Other topics are PCN control and energy use. Highlights of the field trials include a demonstration of Cambridge University Farm seed-rate work. SAC researchers will be reporting on how this Potato Council-funded work applies in a Scottish situation.

"It’s also the largest gathering of seed breeders and providers – growers come from all round the country to see what’s on offer and often tie it in with a visit to their usual supplier," adds Mr Prentice.

"But the real value of PiP is the practical focus of the research on display, and that’s what draws such a broad range of growers and industry representatives. There has been a staggering industry response to the massive cost and regulatory challenges growers currently face. There’s no better event to find out what this is and how your business can benefit."

Potato Council, SCRI, SAC, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) and CSC experts will be there to explain their latest research and products. Both in the field and in the event marquee there will also be a host of industry-leading companies showcasing the latest products, research and services. Meanwhile, machinery dealers and manufacturers will display the latest models and technology.

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