Greenvale AP, the UK's leading supplier of fresh potatoes and a major figure in organic potatoes, took a look to the future last week as they co-hosted a special conference with Sainsbury's to discuss the future of organic potatoes.
Key figures within the organic potato industry, which is expected to see significant growth over the next 5 years, were keen to discuss the challenges facing both Sainsbury's and growers in an effort to ensure that the Uk grower base is able to cope with the expected increase in demand.
30 growers, and potential growers, of organic potatoes attended the event, which was held at HDRA's Organic Gardens at Ryton near Coventry, along with staff from both Sainsbury's and Greenvale. Those at the event also saw a wide variety of demonstrations on organic specific growing topics including new potato varieties, beneficial insects, fertility building and wireworm and Aphid trapping. There was also a demonstration of DeCyst, Greenvale's new biological control of potato cyst nematode.
Commenting on the day, Dave Baxter, Operations Director at Greenvale AP said "This was an extremely encouraging event. It was a very positive step by both Sainsbury's and growers in getting together and planning the future of organic potatoes. We were pleased that so many busy people were able to free up the time to attend the event and I am sure that this can only help us all to work even more closely together when supplying the UK consumer with the best quality organic potatoes available."
