Potatoes in Practice, the UK’s largest field event for potatoes and a highlight of the season for the sector, bringing together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place, is set to return on August 12, 2021 to Balruddery Farm.

According to the organizer’s website, the event is focusing on new varieties of potatoes and a slightly different format to allow for social distancing, with the support of event partners James Hutton Institute, Agrii UK and SRUC.

“It’s a welcome comeback for an event that has become an unmissable date in the potato industry calendar. After cancelling the event in 2020, Potatoes in Practice partners had to take a punt earlier in the year about the likely pandemic conditions by summer, knowing that unless demo plots were selected and planted in good time there would be no field event even if the restrictions were lifted”, wrote the organizers on their website.

“No seminars”

The Potatoes in Practice officials wrote also on their website that in 2021 there will be no seminars.

“It’ll be all about the plots, and field exhibits where the trade can interact and re-connect to discuss, new varieties, IPM and the challenges of the trading environment in a COVID safe environment”, they added.

Also, this year edition will be the first without the active participation and support of AHDB Potatoes. Following the levy payers’ “No” vote, the organization is being wound down, which will present opportunities and challenges for the industry in the coming years.