South East Potato Day 2013
Potato growers, advisors and agronomists met at Quex Park in Kent at the end of June to get the latest technical information at a Potato Council’s third South East Potato Day.
The group debated the latest thinking on crop marketing, weed control, cultivations, cover crops, and soil and seed management.
Potato Council’s marketing manager Kate Cox emphasised how consistent health and variety messaging on packaging, can help shoppers choose the perfect potato for the job.
“Potatoes are a great natural source of fibre, vitamin C and B6,” explained Kate. “But with over 200 different varieties grown in Great Britain, with a range of cooking characteristics, our latest consumer research has identified that potato choice can be very confusing at point of purchase.
“Therefore we’re encouraging the supply-chain to adopt a simple and consistent consumer language, making it easier for consumers to choose a potato variety based on its taste and texture. Instead of waxy and floury, consumers can chose a ‘Fluffy’ potato for delicious roasties, baked jackets or chips, or a ‘Smooth’ and creamy potato for perfect mash, boiled or Dauphinoise or maybe a ‘Salad’ potato, firm to the bite and great tried steamed, boiled or roasted.
“Simple labelling would help educate shoppers,” added Kate.
“But they will also get maximum satisfaction from their purchase due to consistent quality.”
Local Ramsgate farmer, Richard Ash, who supplies the fresh bag and pre-pack market said, “Potato Council put on a very useful day, with a good balance of quality speakers and a mixture of subjects which were very relevant to my business. I fully advocate the whole supply-chain shouting about the natural benefits of potatoes and helping shoppers choose the right variety for a specific meal. I thoroughly enjoyed getting involved with the technical debates with many of the growers from my region”.
ADAS soil expert Ken Smith, teamed up with potato agronomists David Hudson and Graeme Skinner, in a Marfona crop, to lead the afternoon sessions on soil and seed.
Growers were advised to challenge their soil decisions at planting time to benefit yield, tuber quality, planting speed and to keep a more stable soil structure.
The experts explained that a single approach is unlikely to fit all fields. Taking a little and often approach to soils, by either waiting for them to become dry and workable, or gently drying the soil; keeping to the same wheelings during the season to reduce compaction; and planting shallower so there’s not more tilth than needed, will aid seed establishment and reduce growing costs.
“There have been major learning’s from two extremely challenging and variable plantings seasons,” explained Potato Council technical executive, Chris Steele who organised the event. “Soil is the potato growers’ key asset, improving its structure provides clear business and environmental benefits."
