Winter Forum Focuses on How Brexit Affects Potato Industry
Brexit, blight and the future of the potato industry were the topics of discussion at this year’s Winter Forum at HarperAdamsUniversity (January 26). This was also an opportunity for AHDB Potatoes to showcase their recent work, with trials from both Strategic Potato (SPot) Farms proving to be a particular highlight.
Sarah Baker, senior analyst for AHDB Potatoes, opened the event with a presentation on the challenges in the industry following the referendum result on June 24, 2016.
In an industry worth GBP4.1bn, there has been some concern around the effects of Brexit, and Baker offered advice and words of encouragement.
Baker said: “While Brexit presents industry challenges as a whole, there are significant opportunities for growers going forwards. It’s now about understanding these opportunities and preparing correctly in order to capitalize on these uncertain times. And of course, the AHDB will be on hand to help you achieve this by providing up-to-the-minute evidence and analysis throughout Brexit and beyond.”
Annabel Hamilton, arable manager at Patrick Dean Ltd and a member of the AHDB Potatoes Next Generation program, said: “As a young grower, I’m concerned about how Brexit will affect the industry, not just now but over the next five to ten years. Obviously, there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment, but I thought Sarah was very clear and offered optimism, which is something we all need at this moment in time.”
The Fight Against Blight
Dr David Cooke of the James Hutton Institute provided a clear understanding of the effects of blight. Cooke outlined the robust new “Hutton Criteria”, which represent a step change in blight forecasting from the Smith periods used for the last 60 years.
Siobhan Darcy, an AHDB-funded PhD student working with Cooke, has conducted an analysis to ensure that the Hutton Criteria constitute a robust forecasting tool for blight across the country.
Claire Hodge, an AHDB knowledge exchange executive, outlined how these new criteria will be incorporated into the Blightwatch and Fight Against Blight tools, which are ready for growers to use in the coming season.
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