Bruce Farms in Perthshire has been announced as the location for the new AHDB Strategic Potato Farm project, which aims to be of benefit to all of Scotland’s potato growers. The SPot Farm, as it will be known, is a practical, farmer-driven project which aims to give growers the opportunity to examine and discuss new techniques and research.
Claire Hodge, Edinburgh based Knowledge Transfer Manager at AHDB Potatoes explained more about this new initiative:
“Back in February we were delighted to be able to announce, alongside the Scottish Government, joint funding to bring our SPot Farm initiative to Scotland.”
“The search was then on to find a suitable farm. We can now announce that Bruce Farms has agreed to host the project located, where we believe, should be accessible and relevant to all Scottish potato growers.”
“The SPot Farm project in Scotland will run for 3 growing seasons (2017, 18 and 19), with a series of open-days, farm-walks and tailored group visits in each. Scottish growers will have the opportunity to engage with the project and help shape the development ideas and techniques over these 3 seasons.”
“Being ahead of schedule, there will be a ‘soft launch’ in the 2016 season where the SPot Farm will host a 24Ha (60acre) field of Maris Piper. Our initial focus will be a simple comparison of different primary and secondary cultivation techniques (bed tilling and stone separating) across the field with the help of precision farming data. Further subjects for examination will naturally arise for the forthcoming 3 seasons proper, as the project progresses and we hear the input of growers.”
“We look forward to our first SPot Farm open day at Bruce Farms on 12 July, 2016, at which all levy payers and other interested parties will be very welcome.”
Source: stackyard.com
