Potato Days UK, a new, free-to-attend event taking place on the 4th and 5th of September at Dyson Farming, Nocton, has announced the line-up for its seminar and presentation programme.
Former Defra minister George Eustice, who farms in Cornwall and is now an advisor for Emerald Research, will join speakers from across the industry.
The effect of policy on future practices will be discussed by Grace O’Dwyer, HSBC, James Young, McCain and Debbie Winstanley, CUPGRA, with GB Potatoes chair Mark Taylor leading the session.
Other themed sessions will look at machinery automation and artificial intelligence, the impact of net zero and the effect of climate change on potato growing.
“Potato Days UK is a comprehensive – one-stop – deep dive into the latest innovation and research in this essential sector. Our programme of talks and panels offers visitors the opportunity to hear from industry leaders and experts as well as contribute to discussions on the major issues facing potato production in the future. Importantly, the event gives visitors the chance to network with their peers and make new connections,” says Greg Smith, representative for UK & Ireland, DLG (German Agricultural Society), the creator and organiser of Potato Days UK.
The programme has been put together by an expert panel, including representatives from UK Food Valley, GB Potatoes and University of Lincoln and Dyson Farming Research.
Effie Warwick-John of UK Food Valley, said “The potato sector is a vital part of our region’s agriculture and makes a significant contribution to the economy. We are at the epicentre of potato growing in the UK with many top farmers and growers, processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers close by. Potato Days UK is an exciting opportunity to bring the industry together, in the ideal setting of Nocton farm, to learn and share knowledge.”
The event will take place over 20 hectares, with live harvesting demonstrations from AVR, Dewulf, Grimme and Standen, and crop handling and loading demos from AVR, Dewulf, Downs and Grimme.
Some exhibitors have also planted trial plots to demonstrate new technologies in weed reduction, crop protection and inputs, as well as new irrigation systems.
The event is free to attend, but visitors must register at the Potato Days website.