Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.

Seminar Sessions

The Potatoes in Practice seminar programme forms a key part of the technical knowledge exchange with growers, and this year’s talks examine an even wider range of topics by even more experts.

For the first time, the event will feature talks from the visiting European Association of Potato Research (EAPR), chaired by Prof Ian Toth (James Hutton Institute) and Dr Mike Storey (AHDB’s Head of Resource Management). This expert group will talk about the current potato research work going on, and demonstrate the positive impact that international collaboration has on research for the potato crop. There will be a valuable opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues with this expert international potato group.

A special potatoes marketing session will address consumers and variety selection, chaired by specialist heritage potato grower and AHDB board member, Anthony Carroll of Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes. This marketing session features three quick-fire presentations from food ambassador and Scottish chef Christopher Trotter, AHDB Potatoes’ consumer campaigner, Stu Baker and leading potato breeder, Dr Finlay Dale of Caithness Potatoes, rounding up with a marketing-focused Q&A session.

Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) research will be examined, with presentations from Vivian Block and Xinwei Chen (James Hutton Institute). Bill Watts (Harper Adams University) will discuss growers’ options for management of PCN using bio-fumigation.

Potato storage developments will be covered by crop storage experts, Dr Glyn Harper (Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research) and Dr Mark Taylor (James Hutton Institute).

Live Machinery Demos

We're delighted to be joined by Grimme UK who will be demonstrating their GF 600 three bed folding bedtilla, followed by a CS MW 150 stone separator, with stars. Also being demonstrated is their GB 330 trailed bed planter: their adaptable two row potato planter will be converted to a three row planter for the afternoon demonstration.

DuPont, makers of Vydate® 10G, will hold a technical clinic during the field demonstration of a one pass operation for nematicide broadcast and incorporation. The clinic will provide practical advice for growers to help nematicide users get the best from their application, whether broadcast, primarily for potato cyst nematode, or in furrow on the planter for suppression of free living nematodes, the vector(s) for TRV which cause spraing.

Knowledge Hub

2016 is Scotland's Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and we're pleased to feature some of the latest technology being utlised in agriculture and research including apps, drones and a demonstration of our TouchTable.

Field Plots

This year we have a total of 24 plots on display covering everything from varieties to Blackleg control and biofumigation to dessication.

Marquee Exhibits

With a total of 45 marquee displays and demos, there's plenty to see and learn about indoors. We'll have a range of experts ready to talk to you and share their advice about their services and products and we took on board what many of you said about the lack of hands-on activities. Hutton science staff will be on hand to demonstrate and talk about everything from soil management and gene mapping to alternative uses for potato waste foliage and the importance of our links to China in potato production.

Outdoor Exhibits

We've got a huge range of outdoor exhibits this year from potato boxes to potato machinery - and the list continues to grow.

FAQs

What type of ticket should I order?

There has been some confusion in the past about whether you're a general attendee or an exhibitor. To clarify this:

If you're coming to the event specifically to help man your company's stand, please order an exhibitor ticket.

Otherwise, please order an attendee ticket, regardless of whether or not your company has a stand at the event.

I might change my mind about attending. Should I pre-register anyway?

Yes! By pre-registering your attendance, you're not committing to anything but it will help us on the day by speeding up registration. And you'll be entered into our prize draw to win a bottle of potato vodka (but only if you attend of course!).

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You don't have to but it will help speed up registration on the day.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

There will be AA signs to the event from all approaches and online directions can be found at www.hutton.ac.uk/pip2016. As soon as you spot the event AA signage, please do not follow your satnav instructions. We have carefully planned the best route to the event site to minimise traffic disruption through the village as well choosing the most accessible roads for heavy traffic. If you follow your satnav, you'll certainly cause a traffic jam.

Parking is in a grassed area of the field in which the event is held. Car parking marshalls will be on hand to guide you in and out of the carpark.

The event is in a field. Are there any access issues?

Obviously you can expect some mud (let's pray for some decent weather!) but if you follow the planned route and pay attention to the staff on the day, disruption will be kept to a minimum.

During set up day, exhibitors will be allowed to drive their vehicles as close to the marquee / plots as possible but if the weather has been very wet and the field is particularly muddy, access will be restricted. We want the site to be kept as pristine as possible for event day. Farm staff will be on hand to help transport equipment etc. Patience and flexibility is our motto!

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please email events@hutton.ac.uk