The annual SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) Conference, due to be held at Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on 24 January, goes from strength to strength. Now in its 7th year, this is the only major annual potato conference held in Scotland. Free to members of SACAPP, the conference is also open to non-members (see prices below).
Organised by SAC potato expert, Stuart Wale, the conference has attracted a stimulating array of speakers: Walter Simon, grower and member of the NFU potato
group, and Graeme Byers of the Higgins Group will give their respective candid views on producing profitable potatoes - 'from the south' and 'from a potato company'.
George Taylor of Taypack will take a look at opportunities for profitable potato production in the Ukraine and Bill Parker of ADAS will present latest research into the control of wireworm and aphids.
Great Britain has lagged behind the Dutch in potato breeding but two workshops after lunch will provide everyone with a chance to see how breeders are bringing new
varieties to the market and discuss how to make the most of the strengths and plug the
weaknesses of varieties.
A technical session will provide brief presentations of technical summaries with strong take home messages for future production, all based on research and experience generated within SAC. Subjects covered include new high tech diagnostics just introduced by SAC, blight challenges, Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) control the natural way, foliar nutrients, compaction by machines, and non-food uses of potatoes.
Finally David Lewis of Potatopak will give a commercial view of non-food uses of potato starch for packaging and other sectors.
Stuart Wale says,
'This conference is aimed at growers and more than half of the audience are producers. Thus the success of the conference has been that we cover relevant issues and provide strong take home messages. A focus on new varieties will show just how important they will be to future success of the industry'
The conference is free to members of SAC-APP, but non-members are also welcome on payment of the delegate fee which is, £47 + VAT to non-SACAPP growers and £97 + VAT to agronomists and the potato trade. This includes refreshments
and lunch.
For further infomation or to book a place contact: Sandra Chalmers, T: 01224 711080,
E: Sandra.Chalmers@sac.co.uk
Or SEE: http://www.sac.ac.uk/news/forthcomingevents/potatoconference07