Reflections on a new potato event

Last week I had the pleasure of attending, and having a very small part in the organisation of, a new potato event in the UK  @Potatodays UK.  Firstly, it is great that the DLG had the confidence in our potato industry to commit to a new event, but also it was good to have the first working harvester demonstration in the UK for around twenty years. Everything ran seamlessly on a fantastic site provided by Dyson Farming.

It was a great two days and fantastic to see so many growers there, which meant that moving around the extensive site was slow as it was constant chatting to friends and colleagues.  Which I believe is the sign of a good show.

There were two main topics of conversation.  Firstly, the pressures that our industry face, the declining numbers of growers, the reduced area and the eye watering investment needed in such a risky crop to produce an unknown reward.  These were all highlighted in the interesting seminars which came from multiple angles, soil and water, net zero and climate change, machinery and automation and lastly policy. However, what could have been all doom and gloom, wasn’t at all.  It always amazes me how resilient and positive this great industry can be and there was a real feeling of finding the positives.  The second topic that kept occurring was that of collaboration, cooperation and communication and a desire to see the potato industry for what it is, a highly successful, hugely efficient supply chain producing a staple of the British diet in a climate ideally suited to its production by a small group of highly skilled people.  Everybody was discussing it and had thoughts on it, many of which were shared with us at GB Potatoes on our stand.

This reinforced to me that if ever there was a time for an organisation to champion the three Cs, it is now.  GB Potatoes is all about collaborating to secure the future of our amazing industry and to see it thrive and take
advantage of the opportunities that are out there.  So come and support GB Potatoes and help us fight for our industry.  It is so worth fighting for.

As an industry we are punching above our weight and are lucky to have events such as Potato Days UK running every two years, with British Potato in between and Potatoes in Practice every year.  I am sure I will see many of you at these events. 

Why not get in touch to find out more about how you too can be a part of delivering a future for our wonderful potato industry.

 Graham Bannister – Engagement Manager, GB Potatoes.