Following the successful launch of the Environmental Guidance for Potato Production in England, the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and Branston Ltd are joining forces again to produce a version of the guide for Scotland.
As with the English edition, which was launched in March 2007, the Scottish guide will provide growers with a framework for ensuring their potato production techniques and land use respects the environment and wildlife.
Branston has more than 70 Scottish growers supplying its factory in Abernethy and Senior Field Manager Jim Aitken and Field Director David Nelson will be acting as consultants on the project.
"As a major player in the Scottish potato industry, we're committed to best practice in everything we do," explains Jim. "Working in harmony with the environment is extremely important to us and by observing best practice in this area we will protect the long term future of the industry and also comply with the Tesco Nature's Choice protocol."
The new Scottish guide will be launched later this year, with a copy being sent to every potato grower and agronomist in Scotland.
"It will help UK farmers understand the links between commercial potato production and the environmental opportunities and constraints on their farm," says Steve Hunt, Director of Scotland for FWAG. "In particular the guide will address cross compliance, help access environmental stewardship opportunities and develop biodiversity plans which create and nurture appropriate habitats for wildlife and encourage the seamless integration of potato production into the natural environment. We hope that all of the farmers who receive it will read it and act upon it to ensure the sustainability of the potato industry and the wildlife that depends on the farmland for survival."
