National Virus Forum Feb 2024: A Call to Action

On the 7th of February 2024, stakeholders from across the agricultural spectrum converged at FERA for the National Virus Forum. Led by Mark Taylor, GB Potatoes Chair, this gathering marked the fifth meeting of its kind, with representatives from various sectors, totalling over 45 attendees, including both physical and virtual participants. As discussions unfolded, it became evident that the landscape of virus management had evolved significantly since the last forum meeting in February 2023.

The catalyst for the forum’s inception lay in the challenges faced by the industry in preceding years. In 2018, increased aphid activity coupled with escalating virus levels in seed crops foreshadowed looming troubles for ware crops. By 2019, these issues materialised into substantial problems in ware crops across England, prompting the formation of the Forum in January 2020. Its mission: to address these challenges head-on and restore confidence in the system.

Reflecting on the journey thus far there is ongoing need for transformative action. While strides have been made, the core issues persist. The imperative for change looms large, underscored by the realisation that the era of cheap seed is over. You can buy cheap seed, or you can buy good seed. The two are distinctly different.

Key agreements emerged from the discussions:
Enhanced transparency and communication within supply chains.
To review and consider appropriate changes to certification.
Greater scrutiny and management of varieties in particular shorter generation reproduction.
Share knowledge, across GB and internationally.
Adoption of best practices across the industry.

So, where has this taken us? We made some good progress and raised the profile and highlighted the increased threat of virus but despite commendable efforts, 2023 proved to be a tumultuous year, marked by significant downgrades due to virus outbreaks, and with the increase of Leaf Roll in the figures, virus pressures are potentially changing, and we must reflect this in how we approach the management of the issue. The production of the 4 steps guide for ware growers, and the 6 steps guide for seed growers raised the profile and control options, but again not enough impact. More work needs to be done with these to make the industry more aware and to adopt the practices contained within the guides. It is obvious that the risks v’s rewards are becoming more marginal.

Virus remains an on-going and unfortunately increasingly serious concern which needs the whole industry to become involved and we need to formulate a plan! Maintenance of reputation and quality standards to retain customer confidence and market opportunity are paramount.  Our high-grade seed production must be protected to secure our future healthy stocks. 

The issue of virus reservoirs must be addressed, this to include groundkeeper control, considering old variety portfolio pressures as many of these have a greater propensity to spread the problem.  Dual cropped free market varieties with potentially compromised focus on virus control, as well as looking at ware production next to seed crops. Furthermore, renewed emphasis on aphid monitoring and reporting, potentially through a reinstated national network, was deemed essential for early detection and mitigation.

The journey has definitely not finished, though the areas of focus may need to change. We have done lots of talking – now it’s time to turn that talking into actions and doing!