The scheme will cover areas including potato processing, seed breeding, blight, potato cyst nematode and agricultural policy
A programme designed to develop the next generation of potato industry professionals is returning for 2027 after an overwhelming response to its inaugural year.
GB Potatoes, working with the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA), has opened applications for the second Potato Industry Development Programme, aimed at people at the beginning of their careers in the sector.
The programme will take participants across England, Scotland and London through three study phases covering potato production, processing, research, disease, seed breeding and agricultural policy.
It follows the launch of the first programme in 2026, which GB Potatoes said attracted significant interest and demonstrated demand for a structured scheme to help people develop their skills, knowledge and industry connections.
The first stage will run from 15 to 18 February 2027, beginning in Scarborough, with a focus on potato processing and production.
Participants are due to visit McCains, Branston and Tayto, as well as potato processing machinery specialist Haith Manufacturing, providing an opportunity to see different parts of the supply chain at first hand.
The programme will then move to Scotland from 15 to 17 June, starting at the James Hutton Institute.
That phase will focus on commercial seed potato breeding, potato growing, blight and potato cyst nematode, with visits planned to GenTech Propagation, McCains Seed, a seed grower and SRUC.
A final parliamentary visit will take place in London in November 2027, giving participants an insight into agricultural policy-making, lobbying and how the industry can seek to influence decisions affecting its future.
GB Potatoes said the programme is intended to provide new entrants with a broader understanding of how different parts of the potato sector connect, while also helping them build professional networks.
Louise Greenhill, Contracts Manager for Agrico and a participant in the inaugural programme, said the experience had given her valuable exposure to different parts of the industry.
She said: “It’s been fascinating to see how all the different parts of the industry connect, and meeting other young people in the industry has been just as valuable.”
Alex Godfrey, Chair of GB Potatoes, said the response to the first programme reinforced the case for continuing the initiative.
He said: “We were overwhelmed by the number of the responses, and the impact we are already seeing with the current cohort, has highlighted the need for a structured programme, that supports the development of our future leaders and encourages long-lasting connections.”
Godfrey said investing in people was particularly important as the potato sector faced pressures including drought and the need to strengthen resilience.
He added: “With the sector facing many challenges, not least the current drought, it is more important than ever that we continue to invest in skills and training, so we continue to drive resilience, innovation and effective communications with our consumers.”
The scheme also aims to expose participants to some of the businesses, researchers and scientists shaping future developments in the industry, alongside the practical realities of growing, processing and marketing potatoes.
Godfrey encouraged people looking to progress their careers to apply for the 2027 intake and thanked the BPTA for supporting the programme.
Accommodation, meals and minibus travel during each study visit are included in the cost. Participants will need to arrange their own travel to and from the start and end points of each visit.
The programme costs £1,200 for GB Potatoes members and £1,700 for non-members.
Applications close on 2 October 2026, with places limited.