The conference is Free to SACAPP members. Please register to receive the webinar link.

Non-members are also welcome (£10 per person).

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Finding a new direction for the potato industry’. After Brexit, AHDB, Covid and COP26 and along with increasing production costs a future direction is sorely needed. We aim to challenge and inform.

The Programme:

09.45 - Chairman’s introduction

09.50 - Setting the scene for the day

(Dr Phil Burgess, Scottishpotatoes.org)

09.55 - Taking control of the supply chain

(Steven Jack, Managing Director, Organic Potato Growers and Nessgro)

Steven has built a large and successful businesses growing and packing seed, salad and organic potatoes (and carrots) for a wide range of customers. Just how has this been achieved what thoughts does he have on the future direction of the potato industry in Scotland?

10.20 - Technical innovations addressing the labour and skills shortage.

(Prof Simon Pearson, Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology)

As we look to find a new direction for the potato sector, the issue of labour availability will be a key consideration. Simon will look at how technical innovations can be used in the sector to increase efficiency.

10.45 - Lessons from SPot farms in Eastern England.

(Graham Tomalin, VCS Potatoes Ltd.)

Graham advises many growers in Eastern England and in recent years he has been a key part of the AHDB Spot Farms programme.; carrying out trials and demonstrating best practice.

11.10 - Break

11.30 - Tackling net zero.

(Julian Bell, SAC Consulting)

The new direction for potato industry will need to consider climate change. Julian looks at how potato growers can rise to the challenge.

12.00 - Seed Potato export panel

(Sandy McGowan (Chair BPTA), Patrick Hughes (SOAS), Colm McDonnell (IPM) and Alistair Melrose (J&E Smillie).)

A panel of experts will discuss the current seed potato export position. They will answer questions directly from the audience.

12.30 - Lunch

13.45 - Reflections and lessons from a career potato pathologist.

(Dr Stuart Wale, SAC Consulting)

Stuart has worked with growers in Scotland for longer than he cares to remember, and his expertise has taken him around the world of potatoes. He will reflect on the lessons from this worldwide experience for growers at home.

14.10 - Pest Management Challenges Across Four USA Time Zones.

(Dr Neil Gudmestad, North Dakota State University, USA)

Neil works with growers across the USA spanning different time zones, climates and markets. How do these different conditions affect the potato crops under his care?

14.35 - Science to improve potato production.

(Dr Ingo Hein, Dr Mark Taylor and Dr Alison Lees. James Hutton Institute.)

The James Hutton Institute is a world leader in potato research. Ingo, Alison and Mark will look at how the science will influence the direction of the potato sector in the future.

14.55 - Topical tips

(Phil Burgess, Innes Jessiman, and Kyran Maloney, SAC Consulting)

The SAC potato consultants will send you on your way home with some thought provoking snippets relevant to your business. Keep your notebook handy.

15.25 - Chairman’s summing up

15.30 - Conference ends